SAN ANTONIO – The San Antonio City Council approved the earned paid sick time ordinance in a 9-2 vote on Thursday as community members cheered.

The ordinance mandates that private sector employers give paid sick leave to their employees. 

Earlier this month, the council listened to community input after community groups gathered 144,000 signatures in support of the ordinance.

“Unfortunately, today our community is burdened with some of the worst health outcomes in the state—birth outcomes, diabetes complications, and an unacceptable 20-year life expectancy difference between residents in the wealthiest and poorest parts of town. Earned paid sick time gives our working families a chance to care for their health and make ends meet,” said council member Ana Sandoval.

Critics of the ordinance - mostly small business owners - have concerns over how this will impact their businesses. 

Councilman Clayton Perry opposed the ordinance, claiming it is no the responsibility of the council to dictate how private companies handle day-to-day business. 

"This type of government interference adds another reason for businesses to look away from San Antonio when thinking about expansion or relocation," Perry said.  

 Reporter Lauren Due is digging into the passing of the ordinance and how it will impact businesses, tonight on Spectrum News.