Paid Sick Leave Resources
Everyone deserves fair pay, flexibility to address family needs, and a healthy and safe workplace.
Citizen Action has been fighting with community and labor allies across the state and country for worker and gender rights. Look below for resources on emergency paid sick days and to Know Your Rights in the workplace.
Know your rights in the workplace
Permanent Statewide Paid Sick Days start in 2021
While New York City was one of the first cities to require employers to provide a minimum level of paid sick days each year, it took over a decade of additional campaigning to win permanent paid sick and safe leave benefits for workers statewide. Emergency COVID-19 sick days are on top of, and do not replace, permanent paid sick days benefits. Go here for details on this new policy.
TAKE ACTION!
All workers directly exposed to or sick with COVID-19 need paid leave for the full time they are in quarantine or isolation. Workers also need paid leave to care for children who are home due to COVID-19, but millions of workers have been excluded from these benefits. We welcome you to join us as we advocate for these rights and protections. Share your story.
Other Permanent Paid Leave Benefits not connected to COVID-19
New York City and Westchester County Paid Sick Leave Laws:
Most employers in New York City and Westchester County must provide workers with 40 hours of paid sick leave per year. An employer cannot require you to use this leave before providing you with federal or state required emergency paid leave benefits related to COVID-19.
- Go here to find out more about the NYC law.
- Go here to find out more about the Westchester County law.
New York State Family Leave Insurance Act
In 2020, most employees in New York State are able to take up to 10 weeks per year at 60% of your average weekly wage to care for a new child, care for a seriously ill family member, or to address issues related to the deployment of a family member into the military. In 2021 this benefit will increase to 12 weeks at ⅔ of your average weekly wage.
Know Your Rights to A Safe Workplace
Resources:
- NYCLU Resource Sheet: What rights do you have as a worker to know what your employer is doing to protect you, your fellow workers, and those you interact with from COVID-19? What if you feel that those procedures jeopardize your health? What if those procedures are not being enforced?
- NYS COVID-19 Guidelines for Re-Opening: Here are the specific guidelines that have been issued by the state for protecting workers and consumers as we begin to re-open. Not all types of employers or workplaces have been addressed, and as advocates, we continue to work to fill gaps and allow for greater worker input and feedback.
Your Rights to Paid Sick and Family Leave
Federal Coronavirus Related Paid Sick and Family Leave Benefits:
If you qualify for federal paid leave benefits under the Families First Coronavirus Response Act, your employer is obligated to provide you with up to 80 hours of paid leave at your current rate of pay. Use this tool to find out if you qualify and how to obtain your benefits.
New York State Emergency Paid Sick and Family Leave Benefits:
If you do NOT qualify for federal paid leave benefits under the Families First Coronavirus Response Act, you may be eligible for New York State emergency paid sick leave, paid family leave or special disability benefits. Use this tool to find out if you qualify and how to obtain your benefits.