Small business owners slam Chamber lawsuit against sick time ordinance

Minneapolis small business owners are speaking out against a Minnesota Chamber of Commerce lawsuit challenging the city’s new earned sick and safe time ordinance.

“The ordinance that was passed represents a compromise that was negotiated and supported by a vast majority of our community, including small businesses like us,” said Andy Pappacosta, events coordinator at Gandhi Mahal and Main Street Alliance of Minnesota member. “This lawsuit is being led by a select number of businesses, and does not represent many small business owners who have deep roots in our community.”

On Friday, the Chamber announced it had filed suit in Hennepin County District Court to challenge the ordinance on the grounds it conflicts with state law.

In May, the Minneapolis City Council made history by passing the state’s first ordinance requiring employers to provide earned sick and safe time.

Starting in July 2017, more than 100,000 people are expected to gain access to paid sick days under the new law. Workers at businesses with six or more employees will be able to earn one hour of paid sick time for every 30 worked, up to a maximum of 48 accrued hour per year. At businesses with five or fewer employees, the leave will be unpaid.

The ordinance was backed by a number of labor and community organizations, as well as small businesses represented by the Main Street Alliance.

“This a public health issue, an equity issue, and an economic justice issue and is a pressing one for our community,” said Danny Schwartzman, the owner of Common Roots Cafe and Catering and Main Street Alliance of Minnesota member. “The Chamber presents no solution beyond the idea that businesses could voluntarily provide sick pay benefits, which is suggesting exactly the system we have now that fails so many low wage workers and is bad for our community.”

“It’s unfortunate that the City will now have to fight a frivolous lawsuit to stop implementation of earned sick and safe time, rather than investing the necessary funding for outreach and communication, and technical support for businesses, which we need,” said Jason Rathe, the owner of Field Outdoor Spaces and co-chair of the Main Street Alliance of Minnesota.

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