Without help from mayor, sick time bill becomes law in Philadelphia

A bill demanding paid sick leave for people working for companies doing business with the City of Philadelphia is becoming law without the mayor’s signature.

Councilman Wilson Goode Jr says the earned sick time is not a mandate but a requirement to bid on city contracts.

“We set a standard as a contract requirement and so we say for those contractors who wish to do business in the city, they should pay certain wage offer certain health benefits and now they should actually offer earned sick leave,” said Goode.

In September, Mayor Nutter vetoed a broader bill that would have covered almost all people working in Philadelphia.  He’s willing to let this become law and would like the ability to modify it before it takes effect July first.

“As I talked with Councilman Goode I thought there was legitimacy with having some standards for certain things related to companies that do business with the city of Philadelphia, but I think there is more study to be done,” said Nutter.

Councilman Bill Greenlee vows to reintroduce in January a sick time bill covering most workers.