Service workers in Connecticut are now entitled to paid sick leave under a wider range of circumstances as a result of a new law that takes effect October 1, 2023.
Senate Bill 2, signed by the governor over the summer, expands the Connecticut Paid Sick and Safe Leave law by providing for these two new circumstances in which a service worker can obtain benefits:
Mental health wellness day — Service workers can now use a paid sick leave day to attend to their “emotional and psychological well-being.”
Safety of violence or assault victims — Service workers can use paid sick leave if they are the parent or guardian of a child who is the victim of family violence or sexual assault, so that they can take the child to receive medical care or psychological counseling, move the child away from the violence and participate in any legal proceeding involving the child. This use of paid sick leave is not available if the worker is the one who abused the child.
The new law applies only to employers with 50 or more employees that work in Connecticut. It excludes most manufacturing businesses and some non-profits. Also, the law applies to service workers only, which means it protects those who work in industries like retail, hospitality, social work and food service. It does not apply to day laborers or temp workers.
The parts of the original law allowing paid sick leave remain in place, meaning eligible service workers can still take paid leave for the following reasons:
For the worker’s own illness, injury or health condition
For the worker’s spouse’s or child’s illness, injury or health condition
For medical care, counseling or time to relocate when the worker himself or herself is a victim of family violence or sexual assault
If your employer refuses to allow you leave as required by the new law, you should speak with a Connecticut employment law attorney. You may have recourse through the Connecticut Department of Labor or through the court system. An experienced lawyer will be able to guide you in the right direction.
As a law firm that advocates for workers, Gesmonde, Pietrosimone & Sgrignari, L.L.C. in Hamden and East Haven welcomes the expansion of Connecticut’s sick leave law. Our attorneys are available to answer any questions you may have. Please call 203-745-0942 or contact us online to schedule a free initial consultation.
Gesmonde, Pietrosimone & Sgrignari, L.L.C. is located in Hamden, CT and serves clients in and around North Haven, Hamden, Waterbury, Bethany, Milford, Wallingford, Prospect, Woodbridge, Northford, Madison, Beacon Falls, Branford, Cheshire, North Branford, East Haven, Naugatuck, Meriden, Ansonia and New Haven County.
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