In a recent move to bolster employee rights, the city of Chicago has significantly broadened its allowances for paid leave. A recent amendment to the existing ordinance brought in by the Chicago City Council gifts eligible employees with the capacity to accrue up to forty hours of paid leave, and an additional forty hours of paid sick leave every twelve months.
The new law, officially named the Chicago Paid Leave and Paid Sick and Safe Leave Ordinance, was enacted by the Chicago City Council on November 9, 2023. It stands as an expansion of the preceding Chicago Paid Sick Leave Ordinance, offering employees a more comprehensive package of benefits.
Key requirements of this new stipulation include:
- Employees must be actively working in Chicago for at least two hours in a two-week period to be considered “eligible.”
- Employees can start accruing leave hours immediately after starting employment.
- Unused accrued leave can rollover into the next twelve-month period, but an employer isn’t obligated to grant more than 80 hours of paid leave in a twelve-month period.
As aspects of employment law continue to evolve, it limits the financial implications for employees who need time off due to health concerns or family obligations. Through this ordinance, Chicago solidifies a proactive stance in supporting its workforce in terms of overall health and work-life balance.