Paid Sick Leave Laws Stir Debate but Burdens May not be Great

Laws mandating that employers loan an hour of paid sick leave to employees based on numbers of hours worked have raised the hackles of many small business owners and lawmakers alike, yet in areas where the laws have already been implemented, the large majority of business owners have found little cause to complain. According to the New York Times, in San Francisco, up to two thirds of business owners already loaned paid sick leave before it was put into law in 2007. Now, six years later, even business owners who were vocally against the measures admit that for the most part there fears were unfounded. Still, some businesses have reported an increase in costs, particularly those that must pay part time workers to cover for those who are out sick. This effectively doubles the cost of labor in the event of a sick worker not being able to come in. Many business owners feel that despite the cost, having sick leave for employees is simply the right thing to do, and note that most employees are not sick that often.