Last month, we discussed the recent push for paid sick time in New Jersey. New Jersey is the latest jurisdiction to pursue mandated paid sick time, and a bill on the matter is expected to come to a vote in the state Assembly. In the meantime, Jersey City Mayor Steven Fulop has proposed that his city enact a paid sick time ordinance.

Mayor Fulop would like Jersey City companies that have 10 or more employees to offer earned paid sick time. Workers could earn up to five days under the proposal, netting one hour of sick time for every 30 hours of work. Smaller employers would be required to offer unpaid sick time.

The Jersey City City Council is expected to vote on this issue soon. If the measure passes, Jersey City could become the first municipality in New Jersey to offer paid sick time as an employment right.

The bill has been supported by the New Jersey Working Families Alliance, which plans to promote a similar bill later this year in Newark.

Jersey City’s measure does not provide as much sick time as the state’s bill, which would give workers up to seven days of paid sick time annually.

There is much enthusiasm for the Jersey City bill among workers’ rights advocates. On Monday, people rallied on the steps of the Jersey City City Hall in support of the ordinance. The bill will be read before Jersey City’s counsel this week, and advocates have called for a vote before the end of September.

Source: Associated Press, “City wants to join municipalities that require private employers to offer sick days,” Sept. 4, 2013