On Oct. 23, the Pennsylvania Supreme Court heard arguments surrounding a paid sick leave ordinance that could potentially affect small business owners in Pittsburgh, reports 90.5 WESA. If confirmed, the paid sick leave policy would require businesses with fewer than 15 employees to offer up to three paid sick days annually. However, during the first year of the policy’s enforcement, employers will be exempt from paying for time off.
Many business groups, including NFIB, have pushed back on the mandate stating that such a move would result in more costs and disruptions to small business.
Earlier this year, NFIB filed an amicus brief in Building Owners and Managers Association of Pittsburgh v. City of Pittsburgh maintaining that such a mandate is prohibited under state law. Karen Harned, Executive Director of NFIB’s Small Business Legal Center, said, “Small business employers are already swimming in regulatory red-tape at the state and federal level, so there are compelling reasons for the General Assembly’s decision to preempt this sort of municipal action. Running a business is complicated enough without opening the door to municipalities piling-on and balkanizing employment standards.”
According to 90.5 WESA, it’s currently unknown when the Supreme Court will rule on the case.
