Gov. Newsom signed SB-95, which expands COVID-19 Supplemental Paid Sick Leave for CA employees. Employers must grant 2 weeks of SPSL for employees who are not able to work or telework for any of the reasons detailed in the legislation that qualify for the paid leave and applies to a greater number of California employees than previous legislative efforts.
Even though this legislation went into effect on March 29, the requirement to provide 2021 COVID-19 SPSL is retroactive to January 1, 2021, which means that covered employees who took qualifying leave between January 1, 2021, and March 28, 2021, can request payment for that leave if it was not paid by the employer in the amount that is required under this law. SB-95 allows covered employees to use their supplemental paid sick leave benefits in order to attend vaccination appointments and if they are experiencing symptoms from a COVID-19 vaccine that prevents them from working or teleworking.
Covered employees can also use their supplemental paid sick leave benefits for other specified purposes, including but not limited to caring for themselves or family members who are subject to quarantine requirements.
Additionally, there is no length of service requirement for the leave entitlement provided under the new law. If an employee’s schedule varies, their entitlement can be calculated from their average hours worked in the previous 6 months.
Emergency paid sick leave under the federal FFCRA was extended voluntarily at the employer’s discretion through September 30, 2021, and can run concurrently with the California supplemental paid sick leave.
Contact us to get more information and details and help you set these new leave of absences in place so that you can focus on doing what you do best and everyone can stay safe and healthy!
