San Francisco First to Require Paid Sick Leave

by James Parks, Nov 9, 2006

Lots of great ballot measures got passed Nov. 7. Voters in six states approved boosting the minimum wage and voters in three states prevented opponents of social safety nets from draining funds from fundamental public services. But San Francisco holds the claim to becoming the first city in the country to mandate paid sick leave for all employees.

The ballot measure, which passed with a resounding 61 percent of the vote Tuesday, comes on the heels of a city plan that requires employers to contribute to universal health care and a citywide minimum wage boost phased in over the past few years.

Tim Paulson, executive director of the San Francisco Labor Council, told the Los Angeles Times the vote reinforces the “San Francisco values,” which Republicans complained would be promoted by soon-to-be Speaker Nancy Pelosi (D-Calif.), who represents Frisco in Congress.

We love the fact that San Francisco values for civil rights and worker rights
have the opportunity to be expanded throughout the country—as opposed to
the corporate rights that our current administration thinks should lead the
country.

The measure requires that employers provide one hour of paid sick leave for
every 30 hours worked by any employee, full-time, part-time or temporary.
Businesses with 10 or fewer employees would offer a maximum of five days per
year per worker, while larger employers max out at nine days per year. The
time can be used to care for a sick child, partner or other loved one.
 
 

Print This Article | E-Mail This Article |Comments (0)