Rules committee forwards bill to treat remote work as city work for HCSO contributions

The Rules Committee voted June 7 to forward legislation that would require San Francisco employers to count hours worked for the employer as though the work occurred in the city for purposes of the Health Care Security Ordinance (HCSO) during any period that a city health order restricts on‑site work.

Supervisor Matt Ronan (text uses 'Ronan' as sponsor in the committee record) told the committee the change closes a loophole that some employers used to stop HCSO contributions when employees shifted to remote work during the pandemic. He said the ordinance will ensure that people doing work for San Francisco‑based employers continue to receive HCSO‑related contributions while the health order is in effect and that he is prepared to expand the rule beyond the emergency if remote work persists.

The item prompted multiple public comments from part‑time University of San Francisco instructors and labor advocates who said adjunct faculty lost access to SF City Option benefits and that those contributions are important for dental, vision and other medical expenses. Callers asked whether businesses report amounts set aside for employees and what happens to funds if a business closes. Chair Peskin and other supervisors expressed support; the committee voted unanimously to send the ordinance to the full board with a positive recommendation.

Supervisor Ronan criticized the University of San Francisco for not contributing to adjuncts during the pandemic; callers and witnesses urged the full board to act quickly to restore or protect benefits for adjunct instructors and other remote workers.