Legislation Proposed to Provide Paid Sick Time in New York City

A bill has been introduced in the New York City Council which, if passed, will require employers to provide employees with a minimum of one hour of paid sick time for every 30 hours worked. Under the proposed legislation, employers with 10 or more employees would be required to provide up to 72 hours (nine paid sick days per year); whereas employers with fewer than 10 employees would be required to provide up to 40 hours (five paid sick days per year). Accrual of paid sick hours will begin at the commencement of employment, but employees would be barred from using paid sick days for the first 90 days. The bill also provides that unused paid sick time will be carried over to the next year, subject to the 72/40 hour annual limitations. Employees who return to work for an employer following separation of one year or less will be entitled to have their previously accrued paid sick time reinstated. Mayor Michael Bloomberg has expressed his support for the legislation.