City of Passaic Latest to Pass Paid Sick Leave Policy

On Tuesday, September 2, 2014, the City Council of Passaic unanimously passed an Ordinance requiring paid sick leave for its workers by a seven to zero vote, joining Newark (previously reported on here)  and Jersey City in mandating paid sick leave for private workers within those cities.

Passaic’s new law requires private employers to allow employees to earn one hour of paid sick leave for every thirty hours worked.  Employers with ten or more employees must allow their workers up to forty hours of paid sick leave per calendar year.  Employers with under ten employees must allow their workers up to twenty-four hours of paid sick leave per calendar year.  These paid sick days can be used for workers to care for themselves, their spouse or civil union partner, children, siblings, parents, grandparents, or grandchildren.  Employees may be paid for unused, accrued paid sick leave, or carry over some accrued paid sick leave to the following calendar year.  Employers that violate the new Ordinance may be fined up to $2,000 per violation and may be required to pay the employee for any unlawfully withheld paid sick leave.  Employers must also provide written notice to employees of their rights under the law, as well as post information about the Ordinance at their place of business.  The new law becomes effective in January 2015.

A copy of the Ordinance is available here.

Because of the new law, employers in the City of Passaic should review their current paid sick leave policies to determine compliance with the Ordinance, including its notice and posting requirements.