SAN ANTONIO – San Antonio business leaders are calling for an immediate repeal of the paid sick leave ordinance passed by the City Council in August.
- San Antonio businesses want sick leave repealed
- Claim ordinance should not be mandated
- Believe it could lead to job loss
Business owners said they support the idea of paid sick leave for those that need it, but don’t think it should not be mandated by the city.
The North San Antonio Chamber, along with area business coalition leaders, hand delivered a letter to the mayor and members of the city council asking to repeal the paid sick leave ordinance. The group cited the Third Court of Appeals' reversal of Austin’s paid sick leave ordinance, claiming it violates the state’s constitution.
From an economic standpoint, they call the new ordinance bad for business in San Antonio. The business owners claim the ordinance could lead to job loss, cut backs on benefits, or even drive new businesses away.
“We’re saying the Paid Sick Leave or any benefits of that nature are something that a business needs to decide that they can do based on their profitability. Based on what they would like to offer their employees. It should not be mandated by any city in the state of Texas,” said Cristina Aldrete with the North San Antonio Chamber of Commerce.
The local business leaders said if there is not a compromise, a lawsuit could be filed against the city. Spectrum News reached out to the City of San Antonio, and they said they are not issuing a statement at this time.
The new ordinance takes effect on August 1, 2019. Employers with five or less workers have until 2021 to impose the ordinance.