Philadelphia mayor signs sick leave bill into law; advocates say it'll help 200,000 residents

Philadelphia has a new law guaranteeing paid sick leave to thousands of workers who've never had it.

The bill signed Thursday by Democratic Mayor Michael Nutter provides an hour of paid sick leave for every 40 hours of work. It applies to businesses with at least 10 employees.

Nutter says the new rule will let workers take time off to recuperate, address family matters or seek preventive care.

Democratic Councilman William Greenlee and paid sick leave advocates say about 200,000 Philadelphia residents don't currently have paid sick leave. That's about 40 percent of the workforce in one of the United States' biggest cities.

Nutter had twice before rejected similar bills. He says he was concerned about the economy at the time.

The law takes effect in 90 days.