By: Debbie Sandler
On Thursday, February 12, 2015, Mayor Nutter signed mandatory sick leave into law for Philadelphia, the same day City Council passed the new legislation. In 90 days, businesses with 10 or more employees will be required to give employees one hour of paid sick leave for every 40 hours worked, approximately five days a year. Businesses who provide sick leave in accordance with or above the new law are not required to change their policies. Violators of the new law will be subject to fines and penalties.
Employees are permitted to use paid sick leave for personal illness as well as the illness of a family member. Sick leave can also be used by those seeking support in dealing with sexual assault or domestic violence. Employees exempt from this bill include independent contractors, seasonal workers, employees hired for fewer than six months, interns, government employees, adjunct professors and workers covered by collective-bargaining agreements.
Employers in Philadelphia who do not already have a paid sick time policy in place should start preparing to implement the policy before May 14, 2015. This can mean amending policy handbooks, posting notices and making sure that record-keeping practices are updated to track eligibility and use.
If you need advice on paid sick leave or other labor and employment issues, contact Debbie Sandler (215.864.6203; sandlerd@whiteandwilliams.com) or any member of our Labor and Employment Group for further assistance.
