The city will hold a series of public meetings this month about a proposal to require all private employers to offer paid time off to employees within the city limits.
Under the proposal, brought by Councilmember Regina Romero:
- Businesses would be required to give workers one hour of paid sick time for every 30 hours worked.
- Employees could begin to use earned sick time after 90 days of employment and could use up to 40 hours a year at a small business — one with fewer than 10 employees — or up to 56 hours per year at a larger businesses.
- Businesses would not be allowed to require workers to find someone to cover their shifts while using sick time.
- Complaints would be filed with the city’s Office of Equal Opportunity Programs. Employers who don’t follow the rules could be fined.
The Tucson Metro Chamber opposed the proposal. “This ordinance is ill-conceived and will in turn hurt those it aims to help,” the board of directors said in a press release.
Other groups opposed include industry associations for restaurants and retailers. Supporters include women’s associations and labor unions.
The public meetings are planned for:
• 6-7:30 p.m. Jan. 13 at the Ward 5 Office, 4300 S. Park Ave.
• 6-7:30 p.m. Jan. 21 at the Ward 6 Office, 3202 E. First St.
• 6-7:30 p.m. Jan. 28 at the Ward 2 Office, 7575 E. Speedway
• Comment by email to econdev@tucsonaz.gov. Use "Earned Sick and Safe Time" in the subject line.
