The state of New Jersey continues the municipal paid sick leave momentum. On March 14, 2016, Plainfield became the 12th New Jersey city to pass a paid sick leave ordinance. The Sick Leave for Private Employees Ordinance requires private employers to provide paid sick time to employees working in the city for at least 80 hours in a year. One hour of paid sick time will be accrued for every 30 hours worked. Employers with 10 or more employees will be required to provide up to 40 hours of paid sick time per calendar year. Employees with less than 10 employees will be required to provide 24 hours of paid sick time per calendar year.
The Ordinance also states that employees can begin to accrue sick time on the first day of employment, and are entitled to use accrued sick time on the 100th day of their employment. Up to 40 hours of paid sick leave can be carried over to the next calendar year; however, employers are not required to carry over more than 40 hours. Employers are also not required to pay their employees for unused sick time when an employee resigns, retires, or is terminated.
Employees will need to receive a written notice regarding their right to sick time. A poster must also be displayed in a conspicuous place in the workplace with the required information. Make sure to check back at Compliance Poster Company website for more information regarding this new law and poster!