A coalition of central Florida activist groups collected 50,000 petition signatures to place a measure on the November ballot that would require many employers to offer paid sick time for full time and part time workers. 

According to the advocates, many workers in central Florida’s hospitality industry routinely show up for work when they’re sick because they can’t afford to take time off or because they’re afraid of losing their jobs.

Orange County Mayor Teresa Jacobs and the County Commission effectively killed the measure after a panel of judges gave the commission 20 days to review the proposal. Jacobs said the Commission has consistently followed a transparent procedure outlined in the Orange County Charter which was developed and adopted by the citizens of the county. 

Tuesday, September 18th, was the deadline to get the question on the November ballot. 

Mayor Jacobs says she has directed the County Attorney to fully review the matter and advise the board on how to proceed. 

WMFE’s Tom Parkinson also spoke with Executive Director of the group Organize Now, Stephanie Porta, and asked her what the paid sick time advocates are planning to do going forward.