Pittsburgh, PA – Today, the City of Pittsburgh, Mayor Ed Gainey, and City Council held a signing ceremony to celebrate updates to the Paid Sick Days Act. Last month, Pittsburgh City Council unanimously approved key updates that will increase both the accrual rate and the maximum accumulation of paid sick leave hours for employees, starting in 2026. This ceremonial signing recognized not only the passage of the legislation but also the collaborative implementation efforts that make it real.
“I want to thank City Council for unanimously passing these important updates to the Paid Sick Days Act,” said Mayor Ed Gainey. “Their support sends a clear message: we value the health, dignity, and economic security of our city’s workers. These changes will make a real difference in the lives of those who need it most—workers shouldn’t have to choose between a paycheck and caring for themselves or a loved one. Together, we’re building a stronger, healthier Pittsburgh for everyone.”
The Mayor’s Office of Equal Protection (OEP) initiated strict compliance checks across various industries, with a particular focus on the food service sector, in early 2024. The Paid Sick Days Act mandates that nearly all workers in Pittsburgh accrue paid sick time that can be used to care for their health or that of family members. This initiative aims to protect public health, promote workplace safety, and prevent employees from having to choose between their paycheck and their well-being.
"Paid sick leave is a question of equity and justice for our valued workers, as well as a public health concern,” said Council President Daniel Lavelle. “When an employee cannot afford to take an unpaid sick day and goes into work while ill, they are endangering their health and that of others around them. These amendments provide an increased level of protection to the City's workforce and to our public health."
Businesses citywide—regardless of industry—must comply with the PSD Act, and are required to:
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Establish and maintain a Paid Sick Days policy,
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Provide clear notice of workers’ rights to employees, and
After review, businesses will be publicly classified as Safe, Thriving, or Non-compliant on the Paid Sick Days Act website.
"40 hours a year—or even 72 hours per year—aren't a huge amount of time off, especially for workers with chronic illness, small children, or elders needing care. But they’re a lot more than folks nationwide can count on. And those hours of paid time will make an enormous difference for Pittsburghers. This is progress!”
Employees are asked to submit complaints on the Paid Sick Days Act website. There, they will find a form that can be submitted via the website. Compliance investigations will be public information and can be viewed on the Paid Sick Days Act website. At the same time, the OEP will uplift those who are striving to create a work environment that is conducive to the overall health and well-being of employees.
Employees who believe their rights under the Paid Sick Days Act have been violated are encouraged to submit a complaint through the official website:
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About the Office of Equal Protection
The Office of Equal Protection is a civil enforcement and compliance office that seeks accountability in workers’ rights, civil rights, and public safety. The City of Pittsburgh and the federal government have essential laws protecting the public health and welfare of Pittsburghers, including the Paid Sick Days Act, the Prevailing Wage ordinance, the Ensuring Equal Employment Opportunity for Persons Previously Convicted ordinance, the Americans with Disabilities Act, and the Disruptive Properties ordinance. These laws are designed to protect our communities, including the City’s most vulnerable citizens, from unfair labor practices, discrimination, and public nuisance. The Office of Equal Protection seeks to not only enforce these ordinances but also educate Pittsburghers about their rights under law.
