Are you an employer in Austin, Texas, wondering what the restrictions are for using sick leave for personal reasons? The law in Austin is clear: employers with 15 or more employees are limited to 64 hours of paid sick leave per 12-month period, while those with 15 or fewer employees are limited to 48 hours. Employees can transfer up to 64 or 48 hours (depending on the size of the employer) to the next 12-month period, but employers are not required to allow the transfer if they choose to anticipate the hours. Additionally, employers can limit the annual use of paid vacation to 64 or 48 hours per employee. The new sick leave ordinances require employers to grant their employees at least one hour of sick leave for every 30 hours worked, up to a maximum of 64 hours for employers with 16 or more employees or a maximum of 48 hours for employers that employ 15 employees or fewer. If an employer provides you with your sick leave as you earn it, any unused leave from one year must be transferred to another year, in which you must use it. Employees can also use paid sick leave to request medical care, relocate, obtain services for victims, or participate in legal action related to domestic abuse, sexual assault, or stalking involving the employee or a member of their family.
Sick leave can be used to cover everything from illnesses, doctor's appointments, mental health problems or personal issues. By law, the employer cannot ask the employee why they are using their sick leave or require a note if they use less than three days in a row. These sick days must be provided in addition to the company vacation days currently offered. If you have a business in San Antonio, Dallas and Austin, Employer Flexible can help you implement the new sick leave ordinances, making sure your company complies with them. The law also prevents an employee from using sick time during the first 60 days of employment. If the Supreme Court declares sick leave ordinances legal, it will endeavor to enact this state law and not to enact specific ordinances for each city.
The “wait and see what happens” approach could cause morale problems for employees who want this paid sick leave. As an employer in Austin, Texas, it is important that you understand all of the restrictions and regulations surrounding paid sick leave. It is essential that you comply with all applicable laws and regulations so that your business remains compliant and your employees are treated fairly. By understanding the restrictions and regulations surrounding paid sick leave in Austin, Texas, you can ensure that your business is compliant and that your employees are receiving all of the benefits they are entitled to.
