City Council
Additional paid sick days for City-based employees.
A 2015 city law gives people working in Pittsburgh paid sick time. Council has now affirmed changes so workers earn it faster, with higher yearly caps starting Jan. 1, 2026. At businesses with 15 or more employees, the cap rises from 40 to 72 hours. To help small businesses, the council president said council will seek grants and loans.
Written by Amy Whipple
- Council affirmed changes to a 2015 act that mandates all people working in the City receive additional paid sick time:
- Employers with 15 or more employees: 1 hour of paid sick time for every 30 hours worked (decreased from 35), up to 72 hours for a calendar year (increased from 40).
- Employers with fewer than 15 employees: 1 hour of paid sick time for every 30 hours worked (decreased from 35), up to 48 hours per calendar year (increased from 24).
- Council President Lavelle expressed concern on behalf of some Councilmembers about how the change might affect small businesses. He said Council will work with the URA and other potential funders to find grants and loans to help cover the cost.
- Neither Federal nor State law mandates paid sick time.
- The updated act will go into effect January 1, 2026.
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- City Council · June 3, 2025
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