PORTLAND, Maine (WGAN) The City of Portland is considering new ordinance that would require employers to provide earned paid sick time for their employees. The ordinance, proposed by Mayor Ethan Strimling, would allow employees to earn 1 hour of sick time for every 30 hours worked, with a maximum of 6 days per year.

Strimling told Channel 8 on Tuesday, “There’s approximately 19,000 workers that don’t have any paid sick time. We don’t want them going to work sick. Likewise, we don’t want them getting kicked out of their apartment or their home because they can’t pay their bills.”

Strimling believes this bill is not only best for employees but for the workforce as whole. He says the bill will not have a negative impact on businesses.

However, some have some concerns about language and details in the ordinance.

In a public hearing on the ordinance Tuesday night, many in the audience said they supported the proposal, but many business owners said mandating paid sick time goes too far.

The ordinance would require the approval of the full Portland City Council to take effect.