WASHINGTON (Map, News) - The D.C. Council Tuesday tentatively approved legislation that would guarantee paid sick leave for all workers in the city, rejecting concerns that the measure may cripple small businesses. The bill, which proponents describe as a historic step for about 200,000 workers who receive zero paid sick leave, was approved on first reading by an 11-2 vote. The second reading will come in March.

“When all is said and done, we shouldn’t lose sight of the essential feature of this bill, that all employees should have minimum amounts of sick leave,” said Ward 3 Councilwoman Mary Cheh. “It’s the right thing to do and it gives dignity to our employees.”

But critics said the bill is poorly timed given the weak economy.

“It would be the wrong way to go at a time when our country is heading into recession,” said at-large Councilman Kwame Brown, who ended up voting for the legislation.

The measure as introduced last May guaranteed 10 sick days to all workers. Months of negotiations between the business and workers rights coalitions, brokered by Councilwoman Carol Schwartz, R-at large, spawned a watered-down version that requires companies with 10 or fewer workers to provide three paid sick days, and those with 51 or more workers to provide seven days — with two classes in between.

“It’s obviously not as strong as the bill that was introduced, but it makes sense that there were compromises made in attempt to address the concerns,” said Karen Minatelli, deputy director with the D.C. Employment Justice Center. The business community roundly opposed the final product and pushed the council to shelve the legislation. A move to table it, supported by Mayor Adrian Fenty and Council Chairman Vincent Gray, fell by a 7-6 vote. Businesses, Gray said, have a “legitimate concern” given their “razor-thin line of affordability.”

If the bill passes in March, Fenty would have to decide whether to sign it or veto it. Barbara Lang, president of the D.C. Chamber of Commerce, promised “consequences” for the seven council members “who don’t think the business community counts.” The unions, she said, “had a bigger hold on them.”

mneibauer@dcexaminer.com