Seattle has become the first jurisdiction in the US to establish permanent paid sick and safe time benefits for app-based workers, the city announced. The Seattle City Council, by a 9-0 unanimous vote on Tuesday, passed Council Bill 120514, which extends paid sick and safe time benefits to app-based workers beyond the Covid-19 pandemic.

In 2020, Seattle required paid sick and safe time to extend to app-based workers, specifically food delivery drivers and workers using ride-sharing apps, as a guaranteed public health protection during the pandemic. The legislation allowed app-based workers to accrue paid leave to care for themselves or a family member’s health, attend doctor’s appointments, recover at home without losing a day’s pay, and take care of their children in the event of a school closure. However, this was a temporary measure, set to expire on April 30, 2023.

The legislation approved Tuesday — a joint effort by Mayor Bruce Harrell and Councilmember Teresa Mosqueda — expands coverage to more app-based workers, not only food delivery drivers, and applies to companies with 250 or more app-based workers worldwide.

The law allows workers to accrue one day of sick leave for every 30 days worked on the app. Workers’ pay is based on their average daily compensation while on leave and time can be used in day-long increments.

Companies affected by the legislation will create accessible systems that make it simpler for app-based workers to check and request for using their paid sick and safe time. 

“A healthy workforce leads to a healthy community, and no one should have to choose between taking a sick day to care for themselves — or their families — and making rent. Gig workers stepped up to serve our city during the pandemic and are an essential part of our workforce and economy, and this important legislation ensures the rights of our app-based workers remain protected,” Harrell said.