Missouri Governor Mike Kehoe signed a repeal of the state’s paid sick leave law, a decision that has sparked significant backlash from workers’ rights advocates. In fact, that repeal came the same day he introduced a $131 million package of tax breaks, mostly for businesses. The paid sick leave ordinance provided that most employees could accrue up to one hour of paid sick time for each 30 hours worked. It was scheduled to go into effect on May 1 but was reversed after only 17 weeks.
In fact, Governor Kehoe referred to the paid sick leave law as an “onerous local mandate,” arguing that it would create a costly new record-keeping burden on businesses. He stated, “Today, we are protecting the people who make Missouri work — families, job creators, and small business owners — by cutting taxes, rolling back overreach, and eliminating costly mandates.”
The original paid sick leave measure received approval from Missouri voters in November, marking a significant victory for the state’s largest business group while serving as a frustrating defeat for advocates of workers’ rights. The law exempts seasonal agricultural workers and 14- and 15-year-olds from some provisions of the act. This policy shift lets employers deny paid sick leave to all these sectors.
Richard von Glahn, policy director for Missouri Jobs With Justice, said they were dismayed by the repeal. He described the governor’s action as “an absolute betrayal to those families, and it hurts my heart.” Von Glahn underscored that advocates spent years of hard work and millions of dollars to secure that support. Their activism was rewarded with a successful ballot measure.
The repeal is set to go into effect on August 28. Workers who haven’t drawn down paid sick leave by that date will forfeit their legal right to it. This inconsistency breeds confusion amongst workers who can’t afford to have this kind of provision be up in the air for their health and wellness.
In response to the repeal, von Glahn has taken action by submitting a proposed ballot initiative to reinstate the repealed provisions to the Secretary of State. Backers of the paid sick leave law haven’t given up on their future moves. They’ve not yet committed to moving forward with a petition drive to place the measure on the 2026 ballot.
The repeal has spurred a debate about worker protections in Missouri, and the appropriate balance between business interests and employee rights. Public health advocates claim access to paid sick leave is imperative for protecting the public health and wellbeing of America’s working families.
With the consequences of this contentious repeal still being felt, proponents and opponents of this legislation are keeping a close eye. And industry associations are applauding the fading of regulatory overhangs. At the same time, workers’ rights advocates are preparing to see passage of this protection—which they argue is vital for workers in cities and towns statewide.
