Good Question: What are the new rules for paid sick leave?

ROCHESTER, N.Y. (WHEC)— Today we’re answering one of your Good Questions about a new law covering your sick days.

Governor Andrew Cuomo calls it the "strongest in the nation" when it comes to making sure you’re paid if you’re sick and miss work. A lot of people started accruing hours at the end of September. The real impact of the law hits Friday–the start of the new year, when you can begin using your guaranteed sick days.

Does anything change if your company already takes care of paid sick time? The short answer to that is not really.

Under the new law, private sector employees can get anywhere from 40 to 56 hours of paid sick leave annually. That just depends on the size of the business. If your bosses already do that and have an existing policy for sick leave or other time off that is on par or better than the new mandates then the company doesn’t have to take any further steps.

You can use the days for yourself if you’re sick, or to take care of a family member. There are some protections for businesses. They can require you to let them know you’re taking a day by calling, speaking in person, or giving a notice in writing.

They can also fire you for misusing sick leave.

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Watch previous Good Question segments here. If you have a question you’d like answered, email GoodQuestion@whec.com.