As most New York City employers know by now, the New York City Earned Sick Time Act (“Act”) is scheduled to go into effect on April 1, 2014. While the Act was adopted in the summer of 2013, it was subsequently amended after Mayor Bill DeBlasio entered office in 2014. Employers should accordingly ensure that their policies and procedures reflect the latest amendments to the Act, which expanded its coverage, among other things. They should also keep in mind that New York City is not alone in its efforts to ensure that certain employees are eligible for paid leave, as we have reported elsewhere.
Notably, the Act includes a requirement that employers distribute a notice of rights to all current employees by May 1, 2014, and to all new employees hired on or after April 1, 2014 upon the start of their employment. Earlier this week, the New York City Department of Consumer Affairs (“DCA”) finally published the Notice of Employee Rights. Also available on the DCA’s website are guidance materials, including FAQs, explaining employees’ rights and employers’ obligations under the Act. To access this guidance, click here.