Nutter plans to veto paid sick leave

MAYOR NUTTER on Thursday will veto for the second time a controversial bill that would require most Philly employers to provide paid sick leave.

The question is whether Councilman Bill Greenlee, the bill's sponsor, can garner the 12 votes needed to override the veto.

"We're having a lot of discussions with a lot of people," said Greenlee, adding that he may not seek an override Thursday. He has until April 11 to do so.

Nutter vetoed the bill in 2011, arguing that the measure would harm jobs and businesses. Meanwhile, advocates, restaurant workers and others say the bill would go a long way to prevent the spread of disease by allowing people to stay home when sick without worrying about losing a day's pay.

"If it's such a negative thing, why are so many cities - and the largest city - jumping on board?" asked Greenlee, referring to New York City's move toward approving a similar measure soon.

Council president Darrell Clarke vowed to lobby hard to override Nutter's veto, but those who opposed the bill - Councilmen Mark Squilla, Bill Green, Jim Kenney, Brian O'Neill, Denny O'Brien and David Oh - appear to be solidly against it.

Oh echoed some of the administration's concerns that some businesses may leave the city or go under overtime.

The bill would require businesses with six to 20 employees to provide four paid sick days a year, with larger businesses providing seven days. Mom-and-pop stores would be exempt. Interns, nonregular employees, and state and federal employees would be excluded.