news article
NYS leave law updates
January 13, 2023 / By Tracy Rickett, Human Resources Generalist
New York State has extended the COVID-19 vaccination leave, has added sibling under the Paid Family Leave law, and has a new amendment to a law that prohibits employers from retaliating against employees for taking legally protected absences.
The NY COVID-19 vaccination leave, which requires employers to provide up to 4 hours of paid leave (separate from Paid Sick Leave or paid time off) to their employees to receive a COVID-19 vaccination or booster has been extended. The law was originally set to expire on 12/31/22, but is now in effect through the end of 2023.
Effective Jan. 6, 2023, “sibling” has now been added to the definition of “family member” under Paid Family Leave. The definition of “sibling” covers biological siblings, adopted siblings, half-siblings and step-siblings that live either inside or outside of New York State.
Effective February 19, 2023, all NY employers are subject to an amendment made to NYLL Section 215. This law prohibits employers from retaliating against employees for taking legally protected absences, such as NY COVID-19, NY PFL, etc. The new law also adds that employers cannot maintain “no fault” attendance policies and absence control procedures that penalize workers for their use of legally protected absences.