Chicago City Council passes ordinance that gives workers more paid time off

CHICAGO - The Chicago City Council passed an ordinance Thursday night that will give workers more paid time off in the new year. 

The measure was approved by a vote of 36 to 12. 

Mayor Brandon Johnson's original plan was to mandate 15 paid days off, but that was reduced to 10 after negotiations with business leaders. 

This is another victory for Johnson's progressive agenda in addition to last month's vote to phase out the subminimum wage.

"Today is a great day for the workers of Chicago, the businesses of Chicago, and the future of Chicago," said Johnson. "This ordinance, accomplished through compromise and collaboration, is an important step on the path to revitalizing the economy of our great city."

The measure doubles the number of guaranteed days off for workers, compared to the rest of Illinois.

"Working class Chicagoans deserve a day off when they need it," said Ald. Mike Rodriguez, chair of the Workforce Development Committee and sponsor of the Chicago Paid Time Off Ordinance. "The Chicago Paid Time Off Ordinance is a common-sense, compromise approach that supports working people, helps businesses by increasing worker productivity and worker retention, and boosts our economy. I am proud to have sponsored this historic piece of legislation."  

The new ordinance goes into effect in January.