The Minneapolis City Council has approved the Minneapolis Sick and Safe Time Ordinance. Starting July 1, 2017, employers in the city of Minneapolis with one or more employees must provide employees with time off to address their health needs and that of their family members. Employers will also be required to provide time off to victims of domestic abuse, sexual assault, and stalking. The purpose of providing time off is to enable victims to participate in legal proceedings, receive medical treatment, or obtain any other service that will help with their safety.
Employees covered by the new law will accrue a minimum of one hour of sick and safe time for every 30 hours worked up to a maximum of 48 hours in a calendar or fiscal year. If permitted by the employer, employees may carry over unused time to the following year. This accrued but unused time must not exceed 80 hours, unless the employer agrees to a higher amount. Employers with six or more employees must pay employees at the same hourly rate with the same benefits during the time the employee uses their sick and safe time. Employers with five or less employees are not required to pay the employee when using their sick and safe time. If employees are absent for more than three consecutive days, he or she may be required to present documentation stating the reason for the absence.
The Minneapolis Department of Civil Rights is expected to release an official notice of employee rights that employers must post in the workplace by the effective date. CPC will monitor the release of the poster and provide an update. Visit us soon!