Massachusetts Paid Leave Coalition

Legislation

An Act Establishing Paid Sick Days

SB 688; HB 1815
Lead Sponsors: Sen. Patricia Jehlen & Rep. Kay Khan

Although most Massachusetts workers now have health insurance, 1.4 million workers in Massachusetts (over 40% of private sector workers) lack a single guaranteed paid sick day.

Even more Massachusetts workers—more than two thirds—cannot take any sick time to care for a sick child or elderly parent. These workers can lose pay or even their jobs if they stay home from work to get well, or to care for a sick child or relative. They can lose pay just by going to routine doctor’s appointments to stay healthy.

KEY PROVISIONS:

• Eligible employees: All employees may earn up to 7 paid sick days per year, at a rate of 1 hour for every 30 hours worked.
• Covered employers: All employers (public and private) but an employer who already offers a more generous benefit will not have to modify its benefit plans.
• Employees may use leave intermittently and on a reduced work schedule basis.

ALLOWABLE USES:

• Illness, injury or health condition that requires staying home, or professional medical care.
• Attending routine medical appointments.
• Absences for domestic violence victims.
• Paid sick days may be used by employees for themselves or to care for their child, spouse, parent or parent of spouse.

THIS BILL IS DESIGNED TO BALANCE EMPLOYER AND EMPLOYEE NEEDS:

• Employers may require medical certification for any absence that exceeds 3 consecutive days.
• Employers will not be required to provide more than 7 paid sick days in any given year.
• Employees will not cash out unused days upon termination of employment or extended leave.
• Unused sick days can be carried over at the end of a year but, unless an employer chooses to do so, will not accumulate to more than 7 paid sick days in any given year.
• Employers who offer 20 or more days of combined sick, vacation and personal days do not have to change their policies.