Sawyer Urges Relief from Sick-Time Rules for Businesses with Special Hardships

State Rep. Pam Sawyer has proposed an exception to new legislatively-imposed sick time rules if a business can show the requirement would create “undue hardship.”

Under her amendment to pending legislation, “undue hardship” would mean significant difficulty or expense on the employer when considered in relation to factors such as size of the business, its financial resources, and the nature, structure and demands of its operation.

“Especially in these troubled economic jobs, many companies are barely able to stay open,” said Rep. Sawyer. “Imposing sick time rules from the state legislature could be the final straw for a struggling firm. There should be a waiver or an exception for companies in special circumstances or precarious financial situations.”

The House of Representatives rejected Rep. Sawyer’s proposal but adopted the strict sick time requirements for businesses with 50 or more employees by a vote of 88-58.

The state would be exempt from this onerous measure.

“Because of the huge pressure this paid sick-leave law would add onto businesses during these toughest of times, I voted No on the bill. This just kicks Connecticut businesses in the shins one more time.”

The bill, HB 6187, never came to a vote in the state Senate.