The New York State legislature has passed, and Governor Cuomo has signed into law, a new bill that provides employees with up to four hours of paid leave per covid vaccine injection.  This law is currently in effect and will remain valid until December 31, 2022.

The law requires all employers to provide all New York employees with a paid leave of absence for a “sufficient period of time, not to exceed four hours per vaccine injection” to receive COVID-19 vaccinations.  This time off must be paid at the employee’s regular rate of pay (and not less than the minimum wage).  This leave will be in addition to (and not run concurrently with) any other leave that the employee may be entitled to, such as paid sick leave under the New York State Paid Sick Leave Law.

Of course, employers may always provide more time off than required by this law and will also be subject to any greater commitments made pursuant to a collectively bargained agreement.

Employers may not retaliate again any employee for exercising his or her rights under the act.

Please reach out with any questions on this topic or any employment related issues.