Earlier this year, Governor Phil Murphy signed into law the New Jersey Paid Sick Leave Act, which provides eligible employees with paid leave for their own medical needs, needs of a family member, or for other permitted reasons. Employees will receive 1 hour of paid sick leave for every 30 hours worked, for up to 40 hours of total paid sick leave per year. You may also carry over unused time, as long as it does not exceed the 40 hours per year limit. This law took effect on October 29, 2018.

Under What Circumstances May I Use Paid Sick Leave?

• The health of an employee or of one of their family members: By law, family is defined as a “child, grandchild, sibling, spouse, domestic partner, civil union partner, parent, grandparent, or any other individual related by blood to the employee or whose close association with the employee is the equivalent of a family relationship”.
• Issues resulting from an employee (or family member of the employee) being a victim of domestic or sexual violence, including medical attention necessary for treatment of physical or psychological injury; obtaining services from a designated domestic violence agency or other victim services organization; relocation; or legal services, including participation in any related domestic violence-related legal proceedings.
• Closure of the employee’s workplace, school, or childcare due to a public health emergency.
• A child’s school-related conference, meeting, function, or other event.
• Any businesses with employees working in New Jersey, including temporary service companies, are covered under this law.

Although this is a great perk, there are some exceptions to eligibility for paid leave, including:

• Construction employees working under a collective bargaining agreement.
• Per diem health care employees.
• Public employees who are already required to receive paid sick leave.

Unless another date is agreed upon by the employer, employees can begin using paid sick leave on their 120^th day of employment.

This law represents a major new benefit for workers to take care of their family’s health needs. Workers without paid leave are reluctant to attend to their family’s health needs or their own. This law will allow New Jerseyans to act like human beings instead of drones and protect their jobs from employer retaliation.

If you or someone you love is facing a crisis or concern about paid family leave or any other workplace issue, please contact our office for a near-term reduced fee initial consult.  We will meet face to face, listen to your facts, explain the law, and together figure out the fastest and best ways for you to achieve social and economic justice.  We are compassionate counsel and tough advocates. We will help you vindicate your legal rights.  Call today.  You will be glad you did.

www.hananisaacs.com