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Newark’s Mandatory Paid Sick Leave Act: What You Need to Know

Understanding Paid Sick Leave Laws in Newark, New Jersey

Introduction to Paid Sick Leave in Newark

Everyone gets sick. Colds, flus, injuries, and other illnesses can impact anyone, anywhere. For many employees across the country, the choice to stay home sick can mean lost wages or even termination. Beginning in May 2014, employees in Newark, New Jersey are able to earn paid sick leave, providing critical job protection for many employees.

Who is Covered?

The law covers both full and part-time employees of private companies who work in Newark at least eighty hours a year. In general, employees receive a minimum of one hour of paid sick time for every thirty hours worked.

Paid Sick Time Caps

• Employers with 10 or more employees: Paid sick time is capped at forty hours per year.

• Employers with fewer than ten employees: Paid sick time is capped at twenty-four hours in a calendar year.

Special Categories of Workers

Certain categories of workers, such as child care workers, home health care workers, and food service workers, are entitled to accrue up to forty hours a year no matter how many people work for an employer.

Usage of Paid Sick Leave

The paid sick time can be used for:

• The employee’s care or treatment of a physical or mental illness, injury, or health condition.

• Preventative medical care.

• Care for a family member with a mental or physical illness, injury, or health condition.

• Preventative healthcare needs of a family member.

• Certain public health emergencies or exposure to communicable diseases.

Job Protection

The ordinance requires that if an employee is using sick leave as allowed for by law, the employee cannot be fired for using it.

Legal Assistance

If you work in Newark and believe you are not receiving the sick leave you are entitled to or that you have been terminated due to illness-related absences, contact an experienced employment discrimination attorney in New Jersey. The law firm of John J. Zidziunas & Associates has a team of knowledgeable New Jersey employment discrimination attorneys who can help you understand your rights under this new ordinance.

For further information, Contact Us.

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