Mayor Nutter signs mandatory sick leave bill

PHILADELPHIA (WPVI) -- Mayor Michael Nutter signed into legislation a mandatory sick leave bill that will impact thousands of workers.

The bill, which passed Philadelphia City Council earlier Thursday, will require companies with ten employees or more to offer five sick days per year.

"Now, our workforce will be able to take time off for preventive care, recover from an illness or injury, or to ensure that their family and personal business is well-cared for without worrying if it will affect their financial situation or physical health," said Mayor Nutter.

Earlier this month business owners, restaurant workers and other advocates testified in support of the measure.

Prior to this bill, it's estimated that 200,000 Philadelphia workers did not get paid when they stayed home ill.