In a decision anxiously awaited by Pittsburgh employers, on December 21, 2015, a Philadelphia Common Pleas judge struck down Pittsburgh’s paid sick leave ordinance which was poised to go into effect in January.

The Pennsylvania Restaurant & Lodging Association and five businesses had filed suit in August 2015 to enjoin the law.  Judge Joseph James agreed with the Association’s argument that a 2009 Supreme Court case was binding and that state law prohibits municipalities organized under a home rule charter from regulating businesses’ employees.

The City and proponents of the Ordinance have not ruled out an appeal as of yet.  However, at least for now, employers and Pittsburgh do not have to worry about changing sick leave policies.