For more than a year, Albany County Legislators have debated and worked on a paid sick time law.
On Monday night, lawmakers finally voting on the bill. After two hours of public comment and discussion among legislators, local law “C” failed 21-17.
“This isn’t just about my business," said Tess Collins, the owner of McGeary's Irish Pub and one of many against this legislation. "This is about Albany as a community and I don’t believe this is good for our community.”
The proposed bill was strongly opposed by other many Albany County business owners.
They say it would’ve hurt them financially, especially for those in the restaurant industry.
“It’s a double hit for us because not only will we have to pay sick pay, which again we’re fine with, but we have to replace that worker with another worker so we’re paying two,” said Rich Orlando, a chef and consultant at New World Bistro Bar.
Local law "C" would have mandated Albany County businesses with six or more employees, provide one hour of paid sick time for every 30 hours worked, up to 40 hours a year.
For employers with five or fewer workers, their employees can earn up to 40 hours of unpaid sick time.
Advocates rallied before Monday's meeting hoping to gain support.
“What we need is paid sick days for working people and for employers," said Doug Bullock, the Albany County Legislator who sponsored the bill. It does both benefits.”
“We’re going to demonstrate to the workers of Albany County, real people of Albany County that we’re going to fight for you every step of the way and we’re not going to stop fighting for you," said Andrew Joyce, the Albany County Legislature Chairman. "Regardless of what happens here tonight.”
Albany Restaurant association president Jason Pierce says they’re for paid sick time, but they’re not for enacting the law on a local level.
“Paid sick time is something that should be looked at on a statewide level and actually expanded up to include insurance pools and solutions for when staff are out for longer than a few days,” Pierce said.