If you’re going to do business as a contractor for the federal government, you best start adding up to seven days per employee per year into your paid leave bank.

President Obama signed an executive order on Labor Day (thus putting himself into the “those-who-had-to-work-on-Labor-Day” category) guaranteeing employees of federal contractors up to seven paid sick days per year.

It’s one of several items on the president’s to-do list that he took care of without Congressional blessing. Actually, reported the New York Times, the gesture is mostly symbolic. The order must be put through the wringer of a public comment period, which means it probably won’t take effect until the 2017 contracting year.

“But the White House hopes it will set a standard that will prod lawmakers, private employers, and state and local governments to expand their leave policies,” the Times opined.

The way this one works, part-time and full time federal contractor employees would be credited with an hour of paid sick leave for 30 hours worked. There are few restrictions on use of the time. The Times cited “officials” who estimated the order would cover about 300,000 employees.

Instant Insights /

Obama orders paid sick leave for federal contractors

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