Portland, Ore. Becomes Fourth U.S. City To Adopt Policy Requiring Paid Sick Leave

High fives all around in Portland, Ore. as the City Council unanimously voted yesterday to require that businesses offer sick leave. That makes Portland the fourth among its kind in the United States to mandate sick days, as the policy says workers must get up to five days off a year if they’re feeling under the weather.

The Associated Press reports that Portland is in good company with Seattle, San Francisco and Washington, D.C. Only one state, Connecticut, currently has a similar law in place.

Portland’s new policy provides for one our of leave for every 30 hours worked, and says that businesses that employ at least six workers must offer such leave. As advocates in Portland point out, giving workers time to recoup at home while still being paid will not only allow them peace of mind, but keep the general population healthier by cutting the risk of spreading illness.

Unfortunately for Philadelphians, that city’s council voted today on a similar measure and while it passed at 10-6, Mayor Nutter is expected to veto the policy, says CBS Philly.

You’re far from alone, Philadelphia — as the Huffington Post points out, there are about 700 major U.S. cities that don’t require businesses to give employees paid time off.

Portland City Council votes to require sick leave [Associated Press]

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