New Jersey Earned Sick and Safe Leave
September 14, 2018
Cottingham & Butler has obtained information regarding the New Jersey Earned Sick and Safe Leave, which takes effect on October 29, 2018, and wishes to provide our clients with the following update.
What Happened?
Effective October 29, 2018, New Jersey employers must provide eligible employees with up to 40 hours of paid sick leave each year at the employee’s regular rate of pay for the purposes:
- Diagnosis, treatment, or recovery from a mental or physical illness or injury, or preventative care, for the employee or a family member
- Obtaining services if the employee or a family member is a victim of domestic or sexual violence
- Circumstances arising from a public health emergency
- A school-related meeting or event regarding the employee’s child
The act preempts any New Jersey city ordinance requiring paid sick leave.
What Does the Law Cover?
This law applies to any person, firm, business, educational institution, nonprofit agency, corporation, limited liability company, or other entity with employees in New Jersey, including temporary help service firms.
The law covers all paid employees working in New Jersey; however, it does not apply to any of the following:
- Construction industry employees under a contract pursuant to a collective-bargaining agreement
- Per diem health care employees (with the exception of some certified homemaker/home health aides, which are covered by the law
- Public employees who are provided with fully paid sick leave pursuant to any other New Jersey law, rule or regulation
What Do I Have to Do?
Employers’ policies must meet or exceed the requirements of the New Jersey Paid Sick Leave Law. In addition, employers must provide a written copy of a notice created by the sate to each employee within 30 days after the department has issued a model notice and each time thereafter when an employee is hired or requests such a notice.
Please be advised that Cottingham & Butler does not engage in the practice of law and that information provided in no intended to be constructed as legal or tax advice.
Contact Us If You Have Questions:
Cottingham & Butler is prepared to assist you through this process. If you have any questions, please contact your Cottingham & Butler representative.
Tags: Employee Benefits