Paid Leave Preemption: Penn Hills vs Pittsburgh
How do paid leave preemption rules compare between Penn Hills, PA and Pittsburgh, PA?
Penn Hills has fewer restrictions than Pittsburgh.
Penn Hills, PA
Allegheny County
Pennsylvania does not have a statewide paid sick or family leave mandate, and state courts have largely permitted home-rule cities like Philadelphia and Pittsburgh to adopt local paid sick leave laws.
View full Penn Hills rules →Pittsburgh, PA
Allegheny County
The Pittsburgh Paid Sick Days Act, Ordinance 2015-1518, requires employers to provide accrued paid sick leave. The Pennsylvania Supreme Court upheld the ordinance in 2019, making Pittsburgh the first PA city with mandatory paid sick leave.
View full Pittsburgh rules →Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | Penn Hills | Pittsburgh |
|---|---|---|
| - | - | |
| Enacted | - | Ordinance 2015-1518 |
| Accrual rate | - | 1 hour per 35 worked |
| Annual cap | - | 40 hours |
| Employer threshold | - | 15 employees for paid |
| PA Supreme Court | - | upheld 2019 |
Highlighted rows indicate differences between cities.
Penn Hills FAQ
Does Pennsylvania require paid sick days statewide?
No. Paid sick leave requirements apply only where a local ordinance, like Philadelphia's or Pittsburgh's, has been enacted.
Can other Pennsylvania cities pass paid leave laws?
Generally yes; the state has not preempted paid leave, though home-rule status and ordinance design affect enforceability.
Pittsburgh FAQ
Why did the PA Supreme Court uphold it?
The court held that Pittsburgh's Second Class City Code grants authority to legislate on health and safety, and the Home Rule preemption ordinarily blocking such laws did not apply to Pittsburgh's specific charter.
Who enforces the ordinance?
The Pittsburgh Commission on Human Relations and Office of Equity investigate complaints, can order back pay and reinstated leave, and assess civil penalties against noncompliant employers.
Compare other topics
See how Penn Hills and Pittsburgh compare on other ordinance categories.
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