The debate continues over whether or not employees should receive paid sick days.BRUNSWICK COUNTY, NC (WECT) – The cold weather means it's cold and flu season and it has been brutal.
A lot of people have had to stay home from work whether they like it or not. Some are fortunate enough to get paid while they are home, but a good amount of people have to take a sick day without getting paid.
Lawmakers in New York are toying with the idea of making paid sick time mandatory for all employees.
It sounds like a good idea to most employees, but business owners say the mandatory pay could hurt them.
Local residents, employees and small business owners are torn on the idea.
"We're such a small business that if I see an employee a little run down, you know, I tell them to go home, go home early and don't worry about it," said Kelli Menna, the owner and chef of The Pharmarcy Restaurant in downtown Southport.
Menna is actually one of a few employers who already offer paid sick days.
"I don't feel like the government has to tell me what to do," she said. "I do it because we are a family."
Locals around town say they aren't sure about the idea being tossed around New York.
"I have mixed feelings about that," said Kay Wolf. "I think it's going to be very difficult for the government to decide what benefits an individual employer."
Some employers also raised concerns about employees misusing paid sick days if lawmakers pass the legislation.
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