Minneapolis, MN (Learfield Wire Service) - The Minneapolis City Council has unanimously approved new regulations requiring paid sick time for workers within city limits.

Employers with six or more workers will be required to offer up to 48 hours of paid leave a year for employees to use if they or a family member are sick or otherwise need safety assistance. The ordinance takes effect On July, 1st 2017.

The Star Tribune reports that Minneapolis is the first Midwestern city with such an ordinance. St. Paul officials are now also considering a policy, and advocates are lobbying the city of Duluth on the issue.

The vote was cheered by a large crowd of supporters who packed the council chambers. A large number of business owners told council members earlier that a sweeping mandate would likely force them to raise prices, slash benefits or close their doors.

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