Court rules that Pittsburgh’s paid sick leave law can stand

HARRISBURG, Pa. (AP) — Pennsylvania’s highest court is overturning lower court decisions and ruling that Pittsburgh has the authority to require paid sick leave for workers.

Today’s ruling by the state Supreme Court lets the city’s 2015 ordinance stand.

Mayor William Peduto is calling the decision a huge win for people who live and work in Pittsburgh. He says people shouldn’t be forced into deciding between staying home sick and missing a day’s pay, or going to work and spreading germs.

Business organizations had sued over the rule and won twice in lower courts.

Under the ordinance, employers with 15 or more employees must give them up to 40 hours of paid sick leave per year. Employers with fewer than 15 employees must provide up to 24 hours of paid sick leave per year.