A hearing for the Paid Sick Leave Bill drew a large audience at City Hall. (DNAinfo/Nicole Breskin)By Nicole Breskin
DNAinfo Reporter/Producer
CITY HALL — A chef fired for taking time off to see a doctor about a case of pneumonia was one of several workers to testify in a heated public hearing at City Hall Tuesday over a controversial paid sick leave bill.
Council Member Gale Brewer's bill would entitle all employees at small businesses to five days of paid sick leave per year, and up to nine days for those employed at larger firms.
Despite significant revisions since its introduction last year, the proposal is still a contentious issue.
Chef Maximino Santos said he lost his job because he didn't have sick leave. (DNAinfo/Nicole Breskin)During an emotional testimony, Maximino Santos, a chef who worked at a Viennese restaurant on Lexington Avenue until he was fired two months ago, pleaded with the City Council to move forward with the bill.
“I ask the City Council to please pass this legislation as soon as possible,” said out-of-work chef . “For the health of all workers like me and for the well-being of all New Yorkers.”
But several people said the bill would place too much burden on businesses.
Council Member Dan Halloran specifically cited a provision that would carry over unused sick days into the next year, which he said would be too costly to small business.
If passed by the City Council, the new law would benefit as many as 1.85 million working New Yorkers who currently do not receive any paid sick leave, according to Brewer's office.
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