In the middle of a shutdown, CABQ Councilors are trying to add more mandates to businesses on their last leg
As the rest of the city state deals with yet another shutdown, Albuquerque City Councilors have resurrected a paid sick leave initiative, defeated by voters, that will be detrimental to business owners and employees alike. Pushing this bill through to a vote while the businesses are shut down and struggling is a disservice to our job creators and service providers. As many New Mexicans struggle to make ends meet, this is a time to rally behind them, not sucker punch them with more mandates they cannot afford.
The proposed paid time off mandate comes on top of a minimum wage increase passed by the NM Legislature from $9.35/hour to $10.50/hour beginning in January. That is a 12 percent wage increase impacting businesses, many of which have been completely or partially shut down for the majority of 2020. In fact, the list of business closures, due mostly to COVID-19 closures, is long and increasing weekly. Adding another costly mandate to businesses is not only detrimental to the owners, but to the employees who work there when we will necessarily see staff or hour reductions to cover this added cost.
Wages and benefits should be negotiated between the employer and employee with respect to the unique situations and constraints for every business. This is especially true now as many businesses are pressed to find new and unique solutions just to keep the doors open.
Tell Albuquerque City Councilors “NO” to more job killing initiatives on our treasured local businesses! Especially during a lockdown!
Your message will be sent to all of the Albuquerque City Council members who will be voting Monday on the mandatory Paid Sick Leave ordinance.
Subject Line: [Your Name] urges you to vote NO on mandatory sick leave for Albuquerque businesses!
NMBC encourages you to review and customize the text below to personalize your message to city Councilors. (Your first and last name will be added automatically below ‘Sincerely’)