Rep. Ellison Tours Small Businesses In Push For Paid Sick Time

MINNEAPOLIS (WCCO) -- Rep. Keith Ellison led a walking tour in Minneapolis to show his support for small businesses and their employees, as workers and business owners push for a city-wide earned sick and fair scheduling ordinance.

The walking tour, which ran along East 26th Street and Nicollet Avenue, started at Fermentation Bar, headed to clothing store B. Resale and ended at Glam Doll Donuts.

According to Main Street Alliance of Minnesota, a recent poll found 90 percent of Minneapolis supports paid sick days.

While there is opposition, today's business owners said paid sick time and fair scheduling evens the playing field for workers.

Allison Bross-White owns B. Resale, where customers exchange, sell and buy clothing. She has three employees and makes their schedules one month in advance. Bross-White said that helps them plan their lives better and it's helpful for everyone.

She believes passing an ordinance would be a step in the right direction.

"I want my personal values to carry over into my work values," Bross-White said. "To me, I think everyone should be treated fairly and equally."

On Monday, Minneapolis City Council member Cam Gordon said a work group has been established. The group will meet, research and take its findings to council, with recommendations at the end of January.

Monday's small business tour also launched the "Shop Your Values" campaign. Main Street Alliance released a map of nearly 40 businesses that support sick time and fair scheduling. As we approach the holidays, Ellison pushed consumers to buy locally.