Attorney Steve Sack Supports New York State’s Paid Family Leave Benefits Law

On January 1, 2018, New York State’s Paid Family Leave Benefits Law (PFL) will go into effect. This will offer employees more time off to care for family issues without losing their jobs. Steven Mitchell Sack, “The Employee’s Lawyer,” says the new law will also help employers retain their workforce.

On July 19, 2017, the New York State Workers’ Compensation Board adopted the final regulations for the PFL. Under this new law, eligible employees can take up to eight weeks paid leave, but would be paid 50% of their average weekly wage or 50% of the state’s average weekly wage, whichever is less. From there, it increases to 10 weeks and 55% in 2019, ten weeks at 60% the following year and 12 weeks at 67% by 2021. This paid time off only applies to spending time with their newborn, newly adopted or foster child; caring for a family member with a serious medical condition; or if a loved one is serving or being called to serve overseas. This law will apply to all companies, regardless of the size of its staff or the employee’s citizenship or immigration status.

The PFL not only provides the necessary time off to those employees, but they will still be able to retain their jobs once they come back to work. Mr. Sack says this benefits those in the “sandwich generation” — family members who have to care for their children as well as their aging parents.

“It is the right thing for the state to provide more paid leave to workers and not punish them for doing so,” Mr. Sack said. “Employees should not have to choose between being with their children or caring for a relative with a prolonged illness and staying at the office. This bill will help reduce the stress, worry and guilt many workers have when they leave work to care for a loved one.”

He added that this will also help with employee retention. “This gives employees enough time to care for their families, whatever it may be, so they do not have to leave their jobs to become full-time, unpaid caregivers.”

For more information, call (917) 371-8000 or visit www.theemployeeslawyer.com.

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About Steven Mitchell Sack

Steven Mitchell Sack, “The Employee’s Lawyer^®,” has been enforcing workplace rights of employees, executives, and sales representatives for over 36 years. He is a practicing attorney concentrating in employment law, as well as an author of 19 books, a lecturer and syndicated radio talk show host. He obtained a favorable decision for a group of waiters who were denied their fair share of tips that were held back by a caterer. For more information, visit www.theemployeeslawyer.com.