Connecticut’s New Paid Sick Leave Law: Answers to Employers’ Common Questions
On May 21, 2024, Governor Ned Lamont signed into law An Act Expanding Paid Sick Days in the State. So what does this mean for your business or nonprofit? Find out the answers to the five most commonly asked questions below.
Is my business required to provide employees with paid sick time?
Almost all private sector employers with employees in Connecticut, regardless of their size, industry, or non-profit status, will be required to provide employees with paid sick leave. Only an organization that falls into one of the following categories will be exempt from the requirement:
An employer who has a collective bargaining agreement with a construction-related union that requires them to maintain a multiemployer health plan
A self-employed individual
Does my business have to provide all employees with paid sick time?
All employees, regardless of whether they are considered part-time, full-time, temporary, or per diem, are entitled to paid sick leave unless they fall into one of the following categories:
An employee who is a member of a construction-related union that is a party to a multiemployer health plan that is maintained pursuant to a collective bargaining agreement
An employee who is employed for 120 days or less in a year (a seasonal employee)
How much paid sick time does my business does my business have to provide to employees?
Employees must accrue leave at a rate of one hour of leave for every thirty hours worked. The leave must be accrued in one hour increments up to a maximum of forty hours per year.
When does my business have to start providing paid sick leave?
The act has set up the following phased implementation based on the number of employees that an organization has:
January 1, 2025 – 25 or more employees
January 1, 2026 – 11 or more employees
January 1, 2027 – 1 or more employees
What can an employee use paid sick leave for?
Employees can use their accrued paid sick leave for a broad range of reasons, including:
Care or treatment for their mental or physical illness, injury, or health condition
Preventative care for their mental or physical health
Mental health wellness day
Care or treatment for their family member’s mental or physical illness, injury, or health condition
Preventative care for their family member’s mental or physical health
We know that you likely have more questions about the new paid sick leave requirements. We are happy to provide you with free access to our webinar, Connecticut's New Paid Sick Day Law: Essential Guidance for Employers. This webinar, presented by Allie Levene, Esq. of Levene Legal and Jen Fournier, Esq. of Racebrook Consulting, covers the following
An overview of Connecticut's new paid sick days law
Understanding the obligations and requirements for employers
Best practices for implementing the changes in your organization
Addressing common challenges and concerns
