Second death for paid sick days bill in Philadelphia

Philadelphia City Council will not be overriding Mayor Nutter’s veto on “paid sick time.”   

Councilman William Greenlee says he’s disappointed that he failed to garner the 12th vote necessary for an override. His bill would have demanded paid sick time for almost all private sector workers in Philadelphia.

“I’m particularly disappointed for 180,000 workers who could have had a benefit that other cities are providing,” said Greenlee. “Those workers will have them eventually, they will have paid sick leave it’s just a matter are we going to be in the forefront or are we going to be in the rear.”

Rob Wonderling of the Philadelphia Chamber of Commerce says the legislation doesn’t make economic sense.

“Essentially it was an unfunded mandate that would not result in one new job in Philadelphia and the timing is just not right,” he said.

Mayor Nutter vetoed a similar bill in 2011 and members of City Council could not muster the 12 votes then to override.  Since then, sponsors have made various changes in hopes of getting it passed.  It would have exempted businesses with five or fewer employees, for example.

Greenlee says he’s not sure if he will introduce legislation a third time.

“Obviously I still want to have paid sick leave in Philadelphia so we’ll see what the future holds on that,” he said.