Mayor De Blasio Signs NYC Paid Sick Leave Bill Into Law
NEW YORK (CBSNewYork) -- More New York City residents will now receive paid sick leave.
Mayor Bill de Blasio signed the paid sick leave bill into law on Thursday. The new measure will take effect April 1.
Combined with previous legislation, more than a half-million New Yorkers will now be able to take up to five sick days without fear of losing their job at businesses with five or more employees.
"This law is the first of many steps we are taking to fundamentally address inequality in this city and make this a city where everyone rises together," de Blasio said. "Today is truly a historic day that takes us one step closer toward that goal."
The legislation also removes exemptions for the manufacturing sector and adds grandparents, grandchildren and siblings to the definition of family members workers can legally care for using paid sick time.
"This is a good day for thousands of working New Yorkers who have never had paid sick days before," said City Council Speaker Melissa Mark-Viverito. "No parent will have to choose between caring for a child and putting food on the table."
The bill was passed by the City Council last month in a 46-5 vote and is the first to be signed into law by de Blasio.
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