That’s Just Sick: Paid Sick Days May Increase in Los Angeles
Attorney for Employers
by Tal Burnovski Yeyni
818-907-3224
Yesterday, the Los Angeles City Council voted to require employers to offer employees at least six days of paid sick leave per year, twice the minimum amount required under California law. If finally approved, Los Angeles will join more than a dozen cities who have established their own paid sick leave standards.
In yesterday’s meeting, City Council has asked the City Attorney to prepare and present an Ordinance that should include, among others, the following provisions:
- An employee who, on or after July 1, 2016, works in the City for the same employer for 30 days or more within a year from the commencement of employment, is entitled to paid sick leave.
- Paid sick leave shall begin on the first day of employment or July 1, 2016, whichever is later.
- Employees will be entitled to take 48 hours of leave per calendar year, that must be provided up front by the employer, or accrued at the rate of one hour per every 30 hours worked.
- Accrued paid sick leave shall carry over to the following year of employment and may be capped at 72 hours; an employer may set a higher cap or no cap at all.
In response to the City Council’s vote, Mayor Eric Garcetti issued the following statement:
Paid sick leave means a world of difference to working people and their families. That’s why it is important for L.A. to not just comply with state law, but take it a step further on behalf of our people. We set a tone for California and the nation by leading on the minimum wage increase, but we could do more in guaranteeing that people’s jobs are secure in the face of illness. We are fixing that, and I’m proud to stand with my City Council colleagues on the principle that workers need and deserve these protections.
Final vote on the Ordinance is expected to take place within the next month. We will keep you posted on further updates.
Tal Burnovski Yeyni is an attorney in our Employment Practice Group.