New York State Passes Permanent Paid Sick Leave Law

The United States, along with the rest of the global community, is currently facing one of history’s greatest public health emergencies in the form of the COVID-19 pandemic.  To address the impact COVID-19 has had on both individuals and businesses, federal and state legislators have responded largely through interim relief measures tailored specifically for the current pandemic and expiring immediately after it ends.  New York, however, recently set itself apart by enacting legislation to provide employees across the State the permanent right to paid sick leave.

On April 2, 2020, the state that sits at the center of the United States COVID-19 crisis agreed upon a budget for the 2021 fiscal year that includes within it the most expansive paid sick leave law in the nation.  As of January 1, 2021, part- and full-time employees in New York State will have the right to earn up to 56 hours of job-protected paid sick leave per year, depending on the size of their employer.  Employees may use this paid sick time to recover from illnesses, visit doctors, care for sick family members, and tend to certain personal or family medical needs stemming from sexual or domestic violence, stalking, or human trafficking.

New York’s paid sick leave law stands out as a bright spot for workers amid the onslaught of layoffs and wage reductions brought on by COVID-19.  We encourage employees everywhere to check the Faruqi & Faruqi, LLP Workers’ Guide to COVID-19 periodically for information and updates regarding their ever-evolving rights as they navigate this difficult time.