Business Pushes Back as Paid Sick Leave Compromise Advances

Councilman Dan Garodnick

Councilmembers are contemplating a compromise paid sick leave bill this week, but the city’s business lobby is scrambling to shut it down. Partnership for New York City CEO Kathryn Wylde has been reminding lawmakers that requiring paid sick days for employees could be detrimental to city commerce, especially small businesses. “We don’t think city government belongs in the business of regulating private employee contracts,” she said. “This isn’t a situation like living wage or prevailing wage. This is the city saying it has a right to tell you what employment polices should be.” But political observers and sources close to Councilman Dan Garodnick, who wrote a letter suggesting the council consider a minimum of five paid sick days, believe the council will make changes to the legislation. “I think a compromise is going to pass,” said political consultant George Arzt. “It looks like they’re edging ahead.”