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Philadelphia Expands Its Paid Sick Leave Law to Fight COVID-19 Layoffs/Terminations

Philadelphia’s paid sick leave law, which was enacted five years ago, requires employers with at least 10 employees to provide one hour of paid sick leave for every 40 hours worked, up to 40 hours per year (or five days).

On March 16, 2020, Philadelphia decided to expand this law to include workers who may be affected by the COVID-19 health crisis. The main highlight of the city’s expansion of its paid sick leave law requires employers to pay out any accrued sick leave time when employees are terminated or laid off. This means any employee who was terminated or laid off on March 16th or anytime after is entitled to receive their accrued paid sick time. The city has already made it known that financial hardship is not a valid reason to break the law.

If you believe your employer has violated this law, the first step is to file a complaint with the city, who will then initiate an investigation. Unfortunately, this investigation could take weeks, or even months, as the number of employees who are terminated increase as a result of the COVID-19 novel coronavirus pandemic. Once the city completes its investigation and reaches a final decision or 180 days passes from the filing of the complaint with no final decision by the city, then an individual will have the right to file a lawsuit against the employer.

If you were terminated as a result of the COVID-19 novel coronavirus pandemic and not paid your accrued paid sick time, please contact the Philadelphia employment lawyers at Sidkoff, Pincus & Green P.C. as soon as possible. Our skilled legal team will protect your rights and secure the financial compensation you deserve. To schedule an initial consultation, call us today at 215-574-0600 or contact us online.