Paid Sick Leave Ordinance

PAID SICK LEAVE ORDINANCE

The City of Milwaukee is currently working on legal, operational and administrative considerations to enforce the sick leave referendum that was approved by Milwaukee voters on November 4, 2008. Administrative rules to implement the intent of the ordinance are being drafted and the infrastructure to handle questions and process complaints is being developed by the Department of Employee Relations. The ordinance was published on November 12, 2008. Implementation of all provisions of the ordinance  must be accomplished no later than February 10, 2009.  Employees do not begin to accrue paid sick leave until February 10, 2009.

To ensure that your questions and concerns are addressed throughout this transition period, please send an email with your name, email address, telephone number, and your question/concern.  Click here to send an Email.

BACKGROUND

The Paid Sick Leave Ordinance was enacted by the citizens of the City of Milwaukee pursuant to Wisconsin's direct legislation statute.  In 2008, a coalition of groups circulated petitions seeking to have the ordinance enacted or placed on the November 4, 2008 ballot.  The ordinance was written by this coalition, not the City of Milwaukee.  When the petitioners filed the required number of signed petitions, the City of Milwaukee Common Council was advised that it was required to pass the ordinance, without altering it, or place it on the November 4 ballot.  The Common Council chose not to enact the ordinance but was required to submit it to a referendum by the voters.  On November 4, the voters of the City of Milwaukee approved the referendum.  Pursuant to Wisconsin's direct legislation statute, the Common Council and Mayor cannot amend or repeal the ordinance for two years.

EMAIL UPDATES:  If you wish to be notified via Email of updates to the Paid Sick Leave Ordinance, please subcribe to our E-Notify service.  Click here for more information and instructions.

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• Ordinance, File #080420 (7 pages)
• Housing and Employment Discrimination, Chapter 109, Milwaukee Code of Ordinances (12 pages)

This page was updated on 11-18-2008 (8:45 am)