Chi-town Enacts Mandatory Sick Leave

By Michael Cork, Esq.

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Chicago enacted a "sick pay" ordinance which will become effective July 1, 2017. It covers any employee based in or working inside Chicago's city limits who works 80 or more hours within a 120-day period. Employers must provide covered workers the right to accrue and use up to five paid sick days (or 40 hours) per year, earned at a minimum rate of one hour for every 40 hours worked.

​Employees must be allowed to roll-over up to 2.5 days (20 hours) of unused sick leave into the next year. But employers can cap the total accrual amount at 40 hours. Accrual of paid sick leave must begin on an employee's first day of employment (July 1, 2017, for existing employees or thereafter, on the employee's first day). Accrual and use requirements are measured from that date forward.

Employers with existing policies that provide at least the minimum sick leave mandated under the new ordinance are not required to do anything further.

This article is intended for informational purposes only and should not be treated or interpreted as legal advice. For specific advice, contact the attorney of your choice.