City Councilors Lan Sena and Pat Davis Introduce the Healthy Families and Workplaces Ordinance
October 30, 2020
Today on a virtual press conference, City Councilors Lan Sena and Pat Davis announced they are introducing the Healthy Families and Workplaces Ordinance, O-20-39, at Monday’s City Council Meeting. This ordinance would require employers provide paid sick leave to their employees.
“Yesterday saw our largest increase in new cases of coronavirus in New Mexico,” said Councilor Sena. “We are seeing how critical it is to stay at home when you are sick. Without Federal action for more COVID relief, it is up to cities to step up and ensure our families are safe.”
The Healthy Families and Workplaces Ordinance would require employers provide paid time off to each employee, accruing at a minimum of 1 hour or earned paid time off for every 32 hours worked. Employers may choose a higher accrual rate or provide accrual for all paid time off at the beginning of the year. Employees cannot accrue more than 56 hours of earned paid time off, unless the employer’s policy provides higher accrual.
Councilor Davis added, “Our City has been engaged in the paid leave discussion for years and continually a majority of residents support paid leave. This bill ensures that workers have access to paid leave and it gives businesses the flexibility to provide it in a way that works best for them.”
If passed, this ordinance would take effect over the next two years, depending on the number of employees at a business. Employers with 10 or more employees will need to comply no later than January 1, 2021. Employers with 3 or more employees will need to comply no later than January 1, 2022.
Co-President of the New Mexico Public Health Association, Shelley Mann-Lev added, “Paid time off is a public health issue, we need policies that serve everyone. Without our health, we don’t have an economy.”
“Paid leave supports workers and their families in staying healthy,” said Enrique Cardiel, Executive Director of the Bernalillo County Community Health Council. “We know that a healthy economy requires healthy workers and families. This can be an important step in improving the public health for Albuquerque and Bernalillo County.”
This ordinance will be introduced at the City Council Meeting on Monday, November 2nd and referred to the Finance and Government Operations Committee, before coming back to the full Council for final action.