NYC to expand paid sick leave

Jan. 17 (Bloomberg) — More New York City businesses would be required to offer employees paid sick leave under legislation backed by the City Council speaker that will be one of Mayor Bill de Blasio’s first initiatives.

De Blasio, a 52-year-old Democrat, took office this month after making the issue part of his campaign pledge to combat income inequality in the most populous U.S. city. The measure may take effect as soon as April 1, de Blasio said today at a news briefing outside Esmeralda’s Restaurant in Brooklyn. The mayor was joined by Speaker Melissa Mark-Viverito and more than 20 members of the 51-member legislative body.

“We talked a lot about the tale of two cities; our goal is to create one city, where everyone can rise together, and this is one of the steps we have to take to make that possible,” de Blasio said. “The time to act is now.”