NOTE TO EMPLOYERS: Mandatory paid sick leave laws have been enacted that apply to certain federal contractors and subcontractors as well as employers located in, and/or have employees who work in, various U.S. states, counties and cities. To ensure compliance, you should review all paid sick leave laws that apply to your organization and modify your policy accordingly. See MRA’s sample Paid Sick and Safe Leave Policy.
In general, sick pay policies should explain: how sick leave is earned or accrued (i.e., on a monthly basis, by pay period, after a certain amount of time, at the beginning of the year), the company’s policy for carrying, or not carrying, over time, how unused sick leave will be paid, or not, upon separation from the company, along with defining when proof of illness will be required. Some state laws can differ in terms of how sick leave should be applied. An example of a state difference for MN employers with at least 21 employees who offer sick leave benefits is included in this sample as an illustration. It is advisable to have legal counsel review final documents prior to implementation to ensure legal compliance.
