By Kate Weidaw and Jacqulyn Powell

Austin City Council voted unanimously late Thursday night to develop a policy for private employers to offer paid sick leave to their workers. According to the Institute for Women’s Policy Research, about one out of every three workers in Austin does not have it.

About a dozen people spoke in front of city council Thursday night, most in favor of the plan. The purpose of a future ordinance would be to help many who are in low income jobs have the opportunity to take a sick day and not have to worry about losing money. Council member Greg Casar sponsored the measure and says offering paid sick leave promotes someone to go to the doctor when they aren’t feeling well, reduces their recovery time and decreases the likelihood of someone spreading illness at work.

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