In the last two years, paid sick leave has gained momentum in the state of New Jersey. Nine cities across the state have adopted a paid sick leave ordinance. The ordinances, which are now effective, are very similar in major areas.
Under all nine ordinances, qualified employees will accrue a minimum of one hour of paid sick time for every 30 hours worked. Employers with 10 or more employees are not required to provide more than 40 hours of paid sick time in a calendar year. Employers with less than 10 employees are not required to provide more than 24 hours of paid sick time in a calendar year, except for child care workers, home health care workers, and food service workers, who require up to 40 hours paid sick time accrued in a calendar year.
Employees will begin to accrue paid sick time on the first day of employment and are entitled to use the time beginning on the 90th calendar day of their employment. Any unused paid sick time must be carried over to the following calendar year, provided that the accrued time does not exceed 40 hours. As also stated in the ordinances, employers must provide employees and new hires with written notice about their rights under the law and display a poster in a conspicuous place in the workplace.
Employers should review their city’s ordinance (if any), as it may have specific provisions. Below is the list of cities with paid sick leave laws and a link to the mandatory poster that must be posted in the workplace.