Mass. Voters Back Paid Sick Time Mandate

BOSTON (AP) — Voters have approved a ballot question that supporters say will give Massachusetts the nation's strongest requirement for providing paid sick time to workers.

The law will allow workers to accrue up to 40 hours of paid sick time in a given year, earning one hour for every 30 hours worked. Companies with 10 or fewer employees would be exempt, as would those with more generous sick leave policies already in place.

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Supporters of the measure say about one in three Massachusetts workers do not get paid sick days to care for themselves or family members. Many of them earn minimum wage.

Several organizations representing retailers and other small businesses opposed the ballot question, labeling it a one-size-fits-all approach that ignores the economic realities facing many employers.

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