As flu season rolls through and allergy season commences, it is pretty much inevitable that workers will need some time off to address their health or their family’s health issues. While most employers do in fact give employees some paid time off each year to be used for sick leave, in many places, the law does not require employers to do so. As of January 11th, Morristown became New Jersey’s 13th Municipality to mandate local businesses to provide their employees with paid sick leave by implementing the Morristown Paid Sick Leave Ordinance.
Morristown Councilman Robert Iannaccone states that people he surveyed in the business district overwhelmingly support the ordinance and that the purpose of the ordinance was to help protect people who may be afraid to speak for themselves. Advocates contend it will curb the spread of illness and result in healthier, happier, more productive employees.
The Paid Sick Leave Ordinance establishes minimum standards for employers to provide paid sick leave to employees who work within the Town of Morristown limits. It enables workers to earn one hour of sick time for every 30 hours worked. Workers in businesses with 10 or more employees can earn 5 paid sick days per year and those in businesses with 9 or fewer employees can earn 3 paid sick days per year. It is important to note that employees may use sick days to care for themselves or their sick children, siblings, parents, grandparents or grandchildren.
The ordinance also prescribes penalties, remedies and enforcement procedures. Employers in Morristown must provide this notice to all new employees at the time of hire and must update current employees as well. In addition, the notice must be posted in a “conspicuous and accessible place” in each location where employees are employed. The Town of Morristown, New Jersey prepared a notice for use: “Notice of Employee Rights to Paid Sick Time.”
To further educate both employers and employees on understanding their rights and responsibilities under the ordinance, the Town of Morristown provides answers to “Frequently Asked Questions: Morristown Paid Sick Leave Ordinance.”
As this is recently effective, Morristown employers, as well as companies with workers in Morristown, should review and revise sick leave policies and procedures, as well as anti-retaliation policies, to ensure they meet the ordinance’s requirements. Employers should also obtain or prepare compliant notices and posters and ensure their timekeeping process adequately calculates and accrues for sick time.
If you have any questions regarding the Morristown Ordinance and how it affects your business and employees, please contact us.