California business owners should be prepared for a new law pertaining to sick leave that takes effect in 2015. The Healthy Workplaces/Healthy Families Act of
2014 (AB 1522) calls for ALL California employers to provide at least three days (24 hours) of paid sick leave per year. Employees, including part time and temporary employees, will earn at least one hour of paid leave for every 30 hours worked. The time
begins to accrue on the first day of employment or July 1, 2015, whichever is first. (Note: Employees covered by qualifying collective bargaining agreements, In-Home Supportive Services providers, and certain employees of air carriers are
not covered by this law.)
Below are a few suggestions to help California employers obtain compliance with the new law:
- Display a
poster on sick leave where employees can read it by January 1, 2015.
- Give employees written notice of their
sick leave rights at the time of hire.
- Provide at least 24 hours or three days of paid sick leave for each eligible employee to use per year.
- Allow eligible employees to use accrued paid sick leave upon reasonable request.
- Show how many days of sick leave an employee has available either on their pay stub or a separate document issued the same day as a paycheck.
- Maintain records showing how many hours have been earned and used for three years.
Further clarification of the law and a set of
frequently asked questions about the act can be found on the Division of Labor Standards Enforcement (“DLSE”) website. Employers and employees should review the information to fully understand the provisions and expectations under the law. In addition,
California employers should review
brochures and posters provided by the California Department of Fair Employment and Housing to make sure they are in compliance. Employers in other states should review their local laws and statutes to ensure they are up-to-date and compliant.
About Business Consumer Alliance:
Business Consumer Alliance (BCA) is a non-profit which started in 1936. The broad purpose of BCA is to promote business self-regulation. BCA's mission is achieved by assisting consumers in resolving complaints with businesses and using that complaint
information, along with other relevant information like customer reviews, to forecast business reliability. With community support, BCA can identify trustworthy and ethical businesses and warn the public to avoid unscrupulous businesses whose purpose is to
defraud the marketplace. BCA obtains its funding from member businesses who support the mission and purpose of the organization and who agree to abide by high standards of ethical business practices.