Small Businesses to Hold Press Conference on Paid Sick Days

PHILADELPHIA- Small business owners will be holding a round-table conversation on Monday to express their support for the proposed City Council bill on paid sick days. Promoting Healthy Families and Workplaces Act (Bill 080474), a bill that would allow workers the opportunity to earn up to nine days of sick time per year, was voted out of the Public Health and Human Services Committee last Tuesday. The bill could affect up to 200,000 workers in Philadelphia who do not have access to paid sick days.

The small business owners holding the press conference include retail stores, restaurants and childcare providers. Some of the businesses already provide paid sick days to their employees and others are exploring the possibility. Square Peg Artery and Salvage is a boutique in Center City which specializes in selling wares from local artists. Sammiches is a family owned deli and staple in Southwest Philly with two employees. Smart Beginnings Early Learning Center is a childcare facility located in West Philadelphia with a staff of seven employees each having five paid sick days, which is consistent with the requirements of the earned sick time bill.

What: Small Business Press Conference on Paid Sick Days

When: Monday, March 14, 2011

Time: 11:30 a.m.

Where: Square Peg and Artery and Salvage, 108 S. 20th St.

Who: Small business owners from Square Peg Artery and Salvage, Sammiches, Smart Beginnings Early Learning Center