When California Gov. Jerry Brown recently signed legislation requiring paid sick days for millions of workers across the state, he declared it a victory for employees. “Whether you’re a dishwasher in San Diego or a store clerk in Oakland, this bill frees you of having to choose between your family’s health and your job,” said Brown at the time of the September signing. “Make no mistake, California is putting its workers first.”
Under the Healthy Workplaces, Healthy Families Act of 2014, California employers will be required to provide paid sick leave to employees who work 30 or more days within a year from the start of employment. Employees will earn a minimum of one hour of paid sick leave for every 30 hours worked. Luckily, employers can cap the amount of paid sick leave in any given year to three days. The law takes effect July 1, 2015.