Independent contractors and unpaid interns are not considered employees in the eyes of the law. Both internships and apprenticeships offer valuable hands-on work experience, and sometimes both pay. These programs are important tools for building a portfolio of skilled and experienced labor needed to meet workforce needs in a variety of industries, including commerce, beauty, and technology. When it comes to providing sick leave for interns and apprentices in Austin, Texas, employers must comply with the Austin Paid Sick Leave Ordinance.
This ordinance requires employers with five or more employees to provide at least eight days of paid sick leave per year for each employee. Additionally, if an employee works more than 40 hours in a week, they are entitled to one hour of paid sick leave for every 30 hours worked. For those who work fewer than 40 hours in a week, employers must provide one hour of unpaid sick leave for every 30 hours worked. The ordinance also requires employers to provide job protection for employees who take sick leave.
This means that employers cannot terminate or otherwise discriminate against an employee who takes sick leave. It is important to note that the eight-day requirement means eight full days or whether an employee who uses one hour of sick leave for eight days will be prevented from continuing to use it that same year. The Austin measure allows it to be used immediately after they accrue. In conclusion, employers in Austin, Texas must provide paid and unpaid sick leave for their interns and apprentices as mandated by the Austin Paid Sick Leave Ordinance.
This ordinance requires employers with five or more employees to provide at least eight days of paid sick leave per year for each employee who works more than 40 hours in a week, and one hour of unpaid sick leave for every 30 hours worked for those who work fewer than 40 hours in a week. Additionally, employers must provide job protection for employees who take sick leave.