By Matt Cassidy, PoliticsPA

– On the same day that Philadelphia was announced as the host of the 2016 Democratic National Convention, the City of Brotherly Love tackled an issue which is poised to become a central point of discourse in the looming presidential election.

Surrounded by a crowd of excited workers, the City Council passed legislation for mandatory paid sick leave which Mayor Michael Nutter signed into law later in the day.

“The people who do not have paid sick leave are the people who need it the most,” said Councilman William K. Greenlee, the bill’s sponsor.

“They’re low-income workers, single mothers; they’re college students or people just starting in the workforce.”

The bill, which will benefit around 200,000 Philadelphia workers, requires businesses with 10 or more employees to guarantee at least one hour of paid sick leave for every 40 hours worked. The law goes into effect 90 days after the signing.

This bill has been seven years in the making since Greenlee first pushed for it back in 2008.

Currently, 16 cities — including New York, Portland and Seattle — and three states — California, Connecticut and Massachusetts — have enacted similar laws while President Obama has called on Congress to pass a federal measure.

Nutter had previously vetoed similar attempts in 2011 and 2013, explaining that he was never opposed to sick leave but could not support it during the fallout of the 2008 financial crisis.

“The hardworking men and women of our city really can’t wait another day, another week, another month to have paid sick leave,” Nutter said.

Opposition, in particular the hospitality industry, lobbied against the bill saying that it will discourage businesses from moving to the city and deter current companies from expanding.

Source – http://www.bizjournals.com/philadelphia/morning_roundup/2015/02/philadelphia-paid-sick-leave-move-inspires.html?page=all