Last Night's Public Hearing: Many Small Businesses Support Paid Sick Leave

Last night, Seattle's City Council met for apublic hearing, regarding Nick Licata's proposal to mandate paid sick leave for any and all workers in the City of Seattle. Spectators, small businesses and employees of various businesses filled nearly every corner of the Council's Chambers--many to show their support.

A screen cap from last night.

The hearing, which was broadcast live by the Seattle Channel, allowed resident and business owners to offer opinions and reasons for supporting or opposing the legislation, which would make available a work benefit that most white collar workers enjoy, while many in the service and hospitality industry do not. About 40% of the working population in Seattle must either take an unpaid day, or attend work while sick. The ordinance would allow workers to not only take paid time off when sick, but also for medical appointments, or the care of a family member, relative or domestic partner. There are also special provisions for those in domestic violence situations, who are often unable to seek the medical help they need.

Even those who were unable to attend the hearing were represented. Several speakers brought photos of employees who had been sickened or died, and, at one point, a representative from the Seattle Coalition for a Healthy Workforce asked supporters to hold up post cards from others in support of the ordinance. There were 2,000 in total.

A few opponents of the legislature argued that it would be costly, and may require that other benefits be retracts to make up for the cost. However, last night, the overwhelming response was positive, with small business owners agreeing that workers who are sick are less effective, and extremely likely to pass on an illness to a client or coworker--especially, as one speaker testified, those who are elderly, and thus, more likely to die of communicable disease. Paid sick leave was also touted as a way to ensure that employees feel valued and cared for.

Aside from those present at the hearing, numerous employers around town have worked to sponsor or support the bill. Councilmember Licata has a listing of those businesses, as well as additional arguments in support of the ordinance, here.

No further public hearings on the matter are scheduled at this time. The next step will likely be a vote. We'll keep you posted either way.