Paid sick time law passes in NYC, veto overridden

(AP)—New York City is becoming the most populous place in the United States to make businesses provide workers with paid sick time.

The City Council overrode a mayoral veto early Thursday to pass a law providing an estimated 1 million workers with up to five paid sick days annually. Hundreds of thousands of others would get unpaid sick time.

Paid sick time requirements are in place in Portland, Ore.; San Francisco; Seattle; Washington, D.C.; and the state of Connecticut.

Advocates say workers shouldn't have to choose between health and money. Supporters also say paid sick time can stop employees from spreading germs to customers and colleagues.

Opponents say such laws burden small businesses. Critics also say the government should leave sick day arrangements to workers and bosses.