Karla Grossenbacher Published in Washington Business Journal "D.C. Council Should Revisit Sick and Safe Law"

Karla Grossenbacher’s article, "D.C. Council Should Revisit Sick and Safe Law," was published in the August 15, 2008 issue of the Washington Business Journal. In her article, Karla discusses the Accrued Sick and Safe Leave Act (ASSLA) of 2008, which became law in the District of Columbia in May. The Act provides District employees with certain amounts of paid leave, based on how many hours they work and the size of their employer, that can be used for absences due to illness, domestic violence or sexual abuse.

In her article, Karla explains that the "ASSLA is a controversial law over which there was much debate, with business owners squaring off against pro-employee organizations in an effort to strike a balance within the law between the cost to the employer of providing paid time off for employees and the need for such time off."  She further explains that the law is unfortunately plagued with many open questions and inconsistencies. She notes that "As the November effective date approaches, business owners and employee rights groups alike are looking to forthcoming regulations to resolve these inconsistencies and provide answers." However, she asserts that "the real question as to whether regulations interpreting the law are the answer, or whether the D.C. Council needs to amend the law through legislation."