A controversial sick-time law is set to take effect in Massachusetts this week.
Advertisement
While most Californians will be affected, “employees covered by qualifying collective bargaining agreements, In-Home Supportive Services providers, and certain employees of air carriers are not covered by this law”, according to AB 1522.
Approved by voters in November, the law allows workers to accrue up to 40 hours of paid sick time a year. And cellphones manufactured and sold starting in July must have a “kill switch” to make them less attractive to thieves.
“When you talk to other workers, single moms, working moms, who work up to 30,40,50 hours a week, and have to decide- are they going pay the rent that month, are they going to keep their job, or are they going to take their baby to the doctor…” However, businesses have the right to cap total paid sick days to three – so employees can’t use zero paid sick days one year, and then take six paid sick days in the following year.
Employees can request an earned day of sick leave verbally or in writing, and will be paid their normal hourly wage.
Unfortunately, no. If a worker already gets at least three days of paid sick leave, his or her employer doesn’t have to provide any additional days.
Advertisement
Have more questions? California’s Department of Industrial Relations has a more in-depth Q&A available online.
