Businesses urge 'no' vote on sick leave

Business leaders voiced a loud "no" today to a city of Milwaukee referendum that would require employers to provide paid sick leave to their employees.

The referendum that will be on the Nov. 4 ballot in the city of Milwaukee will be expensive, discourage and displace business and cost the city jobs, opponents said at a meeting sponsored by the Metropolitan Milwaukee Association of Commerce at the University Club.

MMAC President Tim Sheehy said members have expressed "loud and strong objections" to the measure that they hope to defeat.

The lone proponent on the panel for the referendum was Ellen Bravo, the former head of 9 to 5, the National Organization of Working Women, who now teaches at the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee. 9 to 5, along with a coalition of organizations, gathered enough signatures to get the measure on the ballot.

"Milwaukee can be a pacesetter so that workers don't have to choose between a sick child and losing a job," she said. "It's good for business because it will reduce stress and create a healthier and more stable work force."

She noted that some businesses, such as Legacy Bank, already provide paid sick days off and have found that it works well.

If passed, the referendum would create an ordinance that would require employers in Milwaukee to provide paid sick days off for full-time, part-time and temporary workers. Full-time employees of large businesses would earn one hour of paid sick time for every 30 hours worked or a total of 9 days a year for those working 40 hours a week.

Employees working at a small business with 10 employees or fewer would get five days a year for working a 40 hour week. The days could be used for medical treatment, diagnosis and prevention for the worker or a close family member.

John Topp, CEO of the Allied Construction Employers Association, called the aims of the referendum commendable but estimated it would cost $43 million, disrupt competition and cause companies to move outside the city.

Collective bargaining contracts already cover benefits, he said. "We don't need a third party telling us what to do," he said, adding there are already other mandates businesses have to follow.

Ed Lump, president and CEO of the Wisconsin Restaurant Association, said restaurants hire many entry and part time workers and depend on service.

"An employee has the obligation to tell us if they are sick, but we don't need to cover everyone with a broad brush," he said. Such a law could mean that employees hours, pay or other benefits could be cut, he said.

Bravo countered by saying paid sick days would help attract businesses, retain workers and reduce turnover costs. According to a recent study by the nonpartisan Institute for Women's Policy Research, more than 77,000 workers in the city would get paid sick days as a new benefit, she said.