Page 6 - midJersey Business - March 2015

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President’s

Message

CHALLENGE NJ’S

SICK LEAVE LAW

ne of the most crucial topics New Jersey businesses face today is the

issue of paid sick leave. I am compelled to write about the proposed

legislation in this column because of its dire consequences.
Under A2354/S785, both public and private sector employers will

be mandated to provide paid sick leave of up to nine days per year to all
employees, including part time, seasonal, and other classiications. No
O
provision in the bill limits the amount of paid sick leave an employee may accumulate,
and the hours may roll over year to year.

Current beneits, such as PTO days provided to the employee at an employer’s discre-
tion, will have to remain intact—meaning sick days as described in this bill must be given

in addition to the beneits already provided to an employee by an employer.
If the bill passes, New Jersey could experience 25,000 lost jobs and a real output

decrease of more than $18.1 billion within the following decade, ac-
cording to the National Federation of Independent Business. Small

If the bill passes, New Jersey
businesses could be afected the most and experience 58 percent of
the overall job loss.
could experience 25,000
New Jersey is home to many seasonal employees who would now
lost jobs and a real output
also be able to take advantage of the paid sick leave act. Employees
decrease of more than
that work during the summer at restaurants or tourism locations may

$18.1 billion within the
earn several days of paid sick leave, opting to use it when they other-
following decade.
wise may not be working. In skilled trades, this could be detrimental

to a day’s work, and in unskilled trades, it could leave a business understafed.
In a recent meeting with local business owners and state legislators, the need for reconsidering the

bill was obvious. In its current state, the bill is especially problematic for business owners who already
provide beneits or incentives packages. The passing of this bill would reduce hiring and, therefore,

increase unemployment. The initial facade of this bill may appeal to the public; however, it will hurt
employers and workers in the long run and have a devastating efect on businesses.

I strongly urge everyone to talk to your elected oicials to ensure this bill never passes or at the very
least its language is altered to not impair business in New Jersey.

Robert D. Prunetti

President + CEO
Robert@MIDJerseyChamber.org

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