The New York City Council is conducting a hearing on Intro No 1059 (Paid Sick Leave legislation) on Tuesday, November 17, at 1:00 p.m. in the Council Chambers at City Hall.  The Brooklyn Chamber of Commerce is calling on its Members to act now in opposition to this bill.  In response to many Members' questions about how they can participate in the fight to defeat this legislation, the Chamber is recommending three ways for Members to lend their voices to this fight: 

1. Write a letter or send an email to your City Council representative. If you can, please include your own experiences and the financial impact this legislation will have on your business.  Click here to download a sample letter you can use.  To locate your City Council representative, click here.
2. Attend the press conference opposing the legislation that will be held Tuesday, November 17, at 11:15 a.m. on the Steps of City Hall.  We need as many people as possible to show the solidarity of the business community.
3. Testify at the upcoming hearing.  You can sign up on the day of the hearing by seeing the Sergeant-at-Arms in the Council Chambers who will be gathering names of those who wish to testify.

The proposed Paid Sick Leave bill will require all New York City businesses (regardless of size or revenue) to provide employees with up to nine paid sick days; it expands the definition of sick days beyond federal guidelines; penalizes employers ($1,000 per violation) who are determined to be in violation of the law – including any actions broadly defined as retaliatory.  This legislation has created an unprecedented coalition within the business community: The 5 Boro Alliance which is comprised of Brooklyn, Queens, Manhattan, Staten Island and the Bronx Chambers Commerce; a diverse collection of businesses that crosses size and industry; non-profits; and associations that oppose the legislation.

While the bill may be well-intentioned, it is evident the City Council (including 12 of Brooklyn's 16 representatives) does not understand the day-to-day operations of New York City small businesses – many of which are struggling to survive the worst economic downturn since the 1930's.

Members who plan to attend the press conference, who plan on testifying or who have any questions should send an email to Vice President of Public Affairs Leticia Theodore-Greene at ltheodore@brooklynchamber.com.  We look forward to your joining us!