Allentown City Council Special Meeting on Paid Sick Leave Initiative - July 22, 2026

This special meeting of the Allentown City Council was held on Wednesday, July 22, 2026, at 6:00 PM in Council Chambers to review a citizen initiative (Bill 54) that would amend the city's Public Health Code to require certain businesses to provide paid sick leave to employees. After hearing from petitioners, the administration, council members, and the public, the council unanimously voted to forward the initiative to Lehigh County for placement on the November 2026 general election ballot as a referendum. The meeting adjourned at 6:23 PM.

Public Comments & Testimony

• Diana Espinal (Allentown resident since 2023, member leader at Make the Road Pennsylvania) testified through interpretation about her personal experiences working in a warehouse where missing a shift due to illness resulted in points that could lead to termination. She described being forced to work while ill due to fear of losing her job or paycheck. She expressed support for the initiative, stating it would give all workers the ability to care for themselves and their families without fear of losing their job. She noted that residents were joyful about the possibility of paid sick days.
• Diana Robinson (Co-Executive Director of Make the Road Pennsylvania) translated Petal's remarks and added that this was a joint effort with community members, Unite Here Local 274, and SEIU. She emphasized that voters should decide what is best for Allentown.
• Later in the meeting, Diana Robinson provided clarifying context on the policy: For employers with 15 or more employees, workers accrue 1 hour of sick time per 30 hours worked, up to 72 hours per calendar year. For employers with fewer than 15 employees, the accrual is 1 hour per 30 hours worked, up to 48 hours per calendar year. She noted similar legislation has been passed in Philadelphia and Pittsburgh with positive impacts.

Discussion Items

• Administration Position (Vicky Kistler): The City of Allentown administration stated it supports good public health legislation and fair labor practices but does not support Bill 54. Key reasons: (1) The ordinance was a citizen initiative, not proposed by the city or any affiliated health organization, so no city research or data shows it will protect public health. (2) Over 20,500 active in-city licensed businesses would need to be monitored, and the Health Bureau lacks staffing and administrative processes for enforcement. (3) Implementation could require doubling or tripling business license fees or property tax increases. (4) Approximately 80% of Allentown residents who work leave the city for employment, and about 80% of city jobs are filled by commuters living outside Allentown; thus the ordinance may not effectively protect local public health. (5) It could put Allentown at a competitive disadvantage with neighboring communities. The administration believes such an ordinance would be more appropriate at the county or state level.
• Council Member Comments:
  • Candida Affa (council member) expressed personal concern as a former small business owner (8-9 employees) that the ordinance could deter businesses from locating in the city and could be taken advantage of by employees. She made a motion to forward the initiative to the ballot, stating that letting voters decide would alleviate timing issues for the general election.
  • Cristian Pungo acknowledged the power of the citizen initiative process but expressed concern that council cannot amend a citizen initiative, and that the ordinance could negatively impact service providers and small businesses. He noted the lack of evaluation of potential harm and encouraged voters to read the legislation carefully. He also remarked that many residents work outside the city and should not have a false sense of security about paid sick time if employed elsewhere. He made his comments in both English and Spanish.
  • Ce Ce Gerlach thanked the petitioners for their work, stated the initiative will go to voters, and noted that if passed, the city could later amend the ordinance.
  • Jeremy Binder clarified that there is a two-year moratorium on amending the law after it passes.
  • Cynthia Mota (Vice President presiding) emphasized that more than 2,000 residents signed the petition, and it is important to honor that process and let voters decide. She stressed the need for the petitioners to continue educating the community. She acknowledged validity of concerns about small businesses but noted that the law could be amended later.

Key Outcomes

• Motion and Vote: Council member Candida Affa made a motion to forward the initiative to the Chief Clerk of Elections and other appropriate officials at Lehigh County Voter Registration to be placed on the upcoming general election (November 2026) as a referendum for the registered voters to decide. The motion was seconded by Cynthia Mota. After public comment, the council voted unanimously 6-0 in favor (all members present: Cynthia Mota, Natalie Santos, Ce Ce Gerlach, Candida Affa, Jeremy Binder, Cristian Pungo). Santo Napoli was absent.
• Next Steps: The initiative will be placed on the November 2026 general election ballot. If voters approve, it will become law; if rejected, it will not. There will be a two-year moratorium before council can amend the ordinance if it does pass.