Philadelphia Employment Lawyers: Philadelphia New Employee Sick Leave Ordinance

On May 13, 2015 the Promoting Healthy Families and Workplaces Ordinance (the “Ordinance”) took effect in Philadelphia.  The Ordinance, which was signed into law by Mayor Nutter on February 12th, mandates that employers provide paid and unpaid sick leave to eligible employees in Philadelphia. The Ordinance does not apply to employers with fewer than ten employees.

Under the new regulations, full-time and part-time employees in Philadelphia who work a minimum of 40 hours per year will accrue one hour of paid sick leave for every 40 hours worked, not to exceed 40 hours of paid sick leave over a period of one year.  Employees in Philadelphia who work fewer than 40 hours per year will accrue unpaid sick leave at the same rate.  Employers in Philadelphia are not required to provide paid sick time to independent contractors, seasonal workers, adjunct professors, employees hired for a term of less than six months, interns, pool employees, state and federal employees, and employees covered by a bona fide collective bargaining agreement.

Employees who are exempt under the Fair Labor Standards Act (“FLSA”) will be presumed to work 40 hours in each workweek, unless their normal workweek is less than 40 hours, in which case sick time accrues based upon their normal work schedule.

The full text of the Ordinance can be obtained online from the city of Philadelphia’s government website.

Philadelphia FLSA lawyers at Sidkoff, Pincus & Green provide legal counsel and representation to businesses and individuals in the Philadelphia area. Our Philadelphia business lawyers are well-versed in all aspects of employment law.  Sidkoff, Pincus & Green has been successfully representing clients in business litigation and contract negotiations for over 50 years.  Contact us online or call 215-574-0600 to schedule a consultation.