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Allegheny County Council passes legislation requiring businesses to have paid sick leave

The Allegheny County Council voted 10-4 Tuesday to pass a piece of controversial legislation that’s been debated for nearly a year, requiring businesses to provide paid sick leave to employees.

The vote was hotly contested on the council.

Allegheny County Councilman Nick Futules contends legislation requiring businesses to provide workers with paid sick leave must be passed by the county health board, not the county council.

“We have a legal opinion that states that County Council does not have the authority to regulate business regulations,” he said. “I’ve been in business for 45 years. I know exactly what I’m talking about. We’re talking about councilmembers that have never owned a business and they don’t know.”

However, Councilwoman Bethany Hallam says council has the authority to approve the ordinance and it is similar to legislation the city passed that was ultimately upheld in court.

“If you’re not in favor of paid sick leave for all of the workers in Allegheny County in the midst of a global pandemic, you’re never going to be in favor of it. And what you are saying is you’re putting your own selfish interest over the health and well being of the residents of our county,” she said.

Futules says now is not the time to pass this type of legislation.

“I think that right now during this pandemic it’s not a good time for any business to put new mandates on them. And quite frankly I take care of my own employees I have bonuses and year end bonuses for them. And incentives during the year so I’m not against taking care of employees by any means,” he said.’

The legislation initially applied to every business in Allegheny County, no matter the size. An amendment recently added said it would only impact businesses with more than 25 employees.