Local businesses adjusting to paid sick leave

ST. JOSEPH, Mo. (News-Press NOW) -- In less than a week, businesses will be required to compensate employees with paid sick time leave.

For every 30 hours worked, employees can accrue one hour of paid sick leave.

It will be an adjustment for many local businesses who haven't had paid sick leave be a factor in the way they operate.

"If it looks like a week or two, (for someone) to get their problems in order, they need to take that time," Seventh Street Cafe Owner Brennon Calvin said. "I absolutely want to take care of my people and let them get the rest of the help that they need to have. Obviously the budget and being able to pay bills and employees is tough as a small guy, but I'm generally for it."

The groundwork for changing the sick leave requirements was approved by voters in the November 2024 election with the Proposition A ballot measure.

One bar manager at Felix Street Gourmet said he has a few concerns, as sick leave could change how people take time off.

"If something like that pops up, we're pretty positive that it's a legitimate issue," Bar Manager, Riley Hephner said. "As far as I know, none of us are really calling out unless it's necessary or planned in advance for something like a vacation."

The new employee benefit will come into full effect on Thursday, May 1.