Bushwick small business owners support sick-leave bill
BUSHWICK — Bushwick members of Small Business United stand in support of workers and community members in asking City Council Member Erik Dilan, “Why won’t you stand with us?” A Council bill is pending that would allow workers to earn paid sick days.
According to Small Business United, more than a million New Yorkers, including many immigrants and latinos — concentrated in food service, retail and health care — lack paid sick days. More than three in four low-wage workers lack paid sick days. In neighborhoods like Bushwick, that hurts working families, but it also hurts small business owners, says Small Business United.
The bill reportedly has 37 co-sponsors in the Council. Crafted in consultation with small business owners, the bill protects workers, jobs and the economy. Under the proposal, workers at businesses with more than five employees would earn paid sick days — nine days for businesses with more than 20 employees, and five days for businesses with five to 20. Small mom-and-pop businesses would only need to provide five unpaid, job-protected sick days to allow workers to recover from illness without fear of losing their jobs.