New York State has passed a crucial law creating a permanent right to paid sick leave for millions of New Yorkers. We applaud Governor Cuomo and the New York State Legislature for their leadership and for recognizing the need to prioritize the health and economic security of all New Yorkers amidst this crisis, and beyond.
ABB Co-Founders and Co-Presidents Sherry Leiwant and Dina Bakst said in a statement: “By guaranteeing a permanent right to job-protected paid sick leave, on top of the recent measure to provide emergency paid sick leave for immediate use during this crisis, New York lawmakers recognize that protecting working families is crucial for New York’s future. New York’s law should serve as a model for other states around the country seeking to ensure the health and economic security of their citizens not just during times of crisis but for years to come.”
The COVID-19 crisis has highlighted the impossible choice that too many workers have faced between caring for their health or the health of loved ones, and earning a paycheck—especially women and people of color, who are less likely to have access to this fundamental right. By ensuring New Yorkers have a right to job-protected paid sick time for years to come, New York continues to be our nation’s standard-bearer in the fight for gender equality and fair workplaces.
Some details about New York’s law:
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Guarantees employees, including full-time and part-time employees, the right to earn up to 56 hours (depending on employer size) of job-protected paid sick leave annually
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Employees can use the time to recover from illness, go to the doctor, care for sick family members, or attend to certain medical needs if you or a family member are a victim of sexual or domestic violence, stalking, or human trafficking
- The New York City paid sick leave law is not preempted and will remain in effect to the extent it is as good as or better than the state law
For more detailed information on the law, read our factsheet here.
We are proud to have been a leader in the efforts to pass this law, just as we have been in New York City, Westchester County, and across the country.
