The Los Angeles City Council tentatively approved a proposal to guarantee L.A. workers at least six paid sick days annually.
According to LAist, the city’s Economic Development Committee voted unanimously last week to recommend that the council adopt the ordinance. The ordinance will return to City Hall for final approval after it’s drafted by the City Attorney.
Raise the Wage, a coalition of business, labor and community organizations, has been advocating for an expanded sick day policy since 2014. California law currently requires employers to guarantee workers a total of three annual sick days. A number of cities including Santa Monica, San Francisco and Oakland have already passed their own local measures to expand the state’s required coverage.
L.A.’s ordinance will include a provision guaranteeing the rights of LGBT families, and enforcement will be handled by the city’s wage enforcement bureau, ensuring that anyone penalized for attempting to take sick time will have expedited, local protections.
Community groups and labor leaders celebrated the Council’s vote as a victory for working families across the city.
