As an employee in New York, it’s important to be aware of your rights when it comes to sick leave. The state has recently passed a law that requires employers to provide paid sick leave to their employees, and understanding the specifics of this law can be crucial for both employees and employers. Reach out to an expert if you have been searching for an ‘employment law attorney near me’ to discuss the details of the New York paid sick leave law, including who is eligible, how much sick leave you’re entitled to, and how you can use your sick leave.
Sick Leave Entitlements Based on Employer Size in New York:
In New York, the number of sick leave hours that employers are required to provide varies based on the size of their workforce. The state’s sick leave law mandates that employers with 100 or more employees must offer up to 56 hours of paid sick leave each calendar year, while those with between five and 99 employees must provide up to 40 hours of paid sick leave. In this blog post, we will explore sick leave entitlements in more detail, including the types of leave available and the requirements for accrual and usage.
Sick leave is mandatory for smaller employers, but the compensation for this time off is based on their net income. For companies with four or fewer employees, workers are allowed up to 40 hours of unpaid sick leave annually. However, if the net income of the company exceeds one million dollars, employees are entitled to up to 40 hours of paid sick leave.
New York’s Paid Sick Leave Law:
Under the new sick leave law in New York, companies that already provide paid sick leave may not have to make any changes. Employers are even allowed to offer their employees more time off than the legal requirement. Sick leave hours can be used for physical or mental health treatment for the employee or their family members, as well as for circumstances related to human trafficking, stalking, sex offenses, or domestic violence. This includes time to relocate, file a report with law enforcement, seek help from a shelter, prepare for court, and enroll children in a different school.
Final Thoughts:
Being aware of your sick leave entitlements and the specifics of the New York paid sick leave law is crucial for both employees and employers. Knowing your rights and reaching out to an employment law expert can help ensure that you are able to use your sick leave in the most effective way possible, without fear of retaliation or discrimination from your employer.
