(William Alatriste)
City Council Speaker Christine Quinn drew criticism from some of her competitors in the race for mayor on Thursday for her refusal to allow a vote on the paid sick leave bill.
Quinn, a favorite for mayor, defended her decision at a forum in Harlem to stall a City Council vote on the bill that would require employers to give workers paid sick days, The Daily News reported.
Quinn said the city’s economy is not strong enough to have employers be mandated to pay workers for sick leave. This drew jeers from the crowd and criticism from the other mayoral candidates.
A group of women politicians recently rallied at City Hall urging Quinn to act on the bill. Feminist author and activist Gloria Steinem said last month that she would not endorse Quinn if she did not allow a vote.
Quinn has delayed acting on the bill for more than two years, feeling pressure from both the business community and liberals. The legislation would require employers to give workers five paid sick days, which could be used for themselves or if a family member is sick.
