Use Sick Leave for FMLA

What's happening

Why it matters

1. 1

   Gives public sector workers greater control over their paid time off. By allowing use of accrued sick/personal leave during unpaid FMLA, employees can maintain income while on federally protected leave, which reduces financial stress during major life events like illness or family care.

2. 2

   Standardizes benefits for government employees statewide. The bill ensures all public employees—from state agencies to school districts—have equal access to this right, addressing inconsistencies that may currently exist among different public employers.

3. 3

   Protects existing union agreements. The law explicitly defers to current collective bargaining agreements, meaning it cannot undermine or override more generous leave provisions that unions have negotiated, and will only apply once those agreements expire.

4. 4

   May improve workforce morale and retention. By making it easier for public employees to take paid leave when needed, the bill could help retain skilled workers and improve job satisfaction, especially for those balancing work and family responsibilities.

Who cares

• State and local government employees

  Employees granted federal Family and Medical Leave Act leave would be allowed to use accrued, available sick and personal leave, except as otherwise provided by a valid collective bargaining agreement.

• School districts and public authorities

  These employers would have to authorize eligible employees to use accrued, available sick and personal leave for federally approved family and medical leave, subject to collective bargaining agreements.

• Public employee unions

  The bill would preserve collectively bargained rights and benefits and past practices, and would not supersede existing collective bargaining agreements during their terms.

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