Council passed the bill by a vote of 11-6. A total of 12 votes would have been needed to override a veto.
City Councilman Bill Greenlee sponsored the bill. The bill passed City Council once before, but Mayor Michael Nutter vetoed it.
As the bill stands now, the sick pay is earned. Businesses with 6-20 workers would have to provide four sick days. Larger businesses would have to provide seven. So-called 'mom and pop' stores are exempt.
Several big corporations and the Pennsylvania Restaurant Association are against it, saying it will hurt business.
Mayor Nutter's spokesperson previously said he thinks the changes made to the bill are reasonable, but it is better suited for the state or federal level.
The mayor still thinks it will hurt or drive out city businesses.