Malloy Lobbies Business For Sick Leave Mandate

HARTFORD, Conn. (AP) -- Connecticut Gov. Dannel P. Malloy has told businesses he will support legislation requiring paid sick leave for employees, which many companies oppose.

Malloy appeared before the Connecticut Business & Industry Association on Friday, telling more than 300 business owners, managers and representatives he believes companies should be required by law to offer sick leave to workers.

The sick leave mandate has failed in previous sessions of the legislature. Malloy says he is willing to negotiate eligibility requirements and how generous the benefit should be.

Kia Murrell, a lobbyist for the business group, said it opposes the mandate and that government should not tell companies how to manage their employees.

She also said such a law would make Connecticut unattractive to new business and damage economic development.

(Copyright 2011 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)