Voters in the City of Milwaukee overwhelmingly approved a binding referendum to require all employers in the city to provide a minimum number of paid sick days to their employees.

The referendum was approved by 68 percent of the voters, while just 32 percent opposed it.

The referendum was placed on the ballot through the process of direct legislation that required a minimum of 25,600 voter signatures in support of the proposal. Milwaukee 9to5, a grassroots organization, turned in an estimated 42,000 signatures.

With the ordinance, companies in Milwaukee will be required to provide one hour of paid sick leave for every 30 hours an employee works. Employees' accrued sick leave would be capped at 72 hours for workers at large companies and at 40 hours for workers at small businesses.

Under state law, the Milwaukee Common Council cannot amend or repeal the ordinance, and it must be implemented within 90 days.

Tim Sheehy, president of the Metropolitan Milwaukee Association of Commerce (MMAC), today issued the following statement regarding the passage of the paid sick leave referendum: "While we respect the decision by the City of Milwaukee's voters, we are disappointed that they were not given a fair picture of the full impact of this referendum on Milwaukee jobs. This costly, one-size-fits-all government mandate will have a devastating impact on city businesses in an already unstable economy. This mandate will make the City of Milwaukee an island of regulation, discouraging business development and scaring away potential employers who want to locate in the city. Ultimately, the mandate will be a detriment to Milwaukee workers, not a benefit. We are currently reviewing the decision and exploring all available options, including potential legal action. As well-meaning as this mandate is, it is seriously flawed and presents a serious risk to Milwaukee jobs and businesses."

Milwaukee 9to5 director Amy Stear told WisPolitics.com that the mandate is a "great win" that will help with people's health, economic well-being and ability to take care of loved ones who get sick.

"We're very happy for our community and city that families in Milwaukee are going to enjoy a healthier, more economically stable city in the future here," Stear said. "We hope that all employers will respect the decision that the people of our city have made."

Stear said that San Francisco, which passed a similar ordinance 18 months ago, has seen an increase in jobs since it passed, while surrounding counties have seen decreases.

Milwaukee Mayor Tom Barrett opposed the measure.

Milwaukee County voters narrowly approved an advisory referendum to raise the county sales tax by 1 percent and shift the burden of funding for parks, recreation, culture programs, transit services and public safety from the property tax rolls. The referendum was approved by a 52-to-48 margin.

Milwaukee County Executive Scott Walker opposed the referendum

Meanwhile, voters in most of 22 communities with advisory referenda calling for the state to guarantee health care insurance coverage for all residents approved the nonbinding measure.

For ongoing coverage of the election, visit WisPolitics.com, a media partner of the Small Business Times.