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California Employment Law Glossary

California Sick Leave Rights
Leave Rights

 

Definition


 

Under California's Healthy Workplaces, Healthy Families Act, most employees are entitled to at least 40 hours (five days) of paid sick leave per year. Employees may use accrued sick leave for their own illness, the illness of a qualifying family member, or to address domestic violence or sexual assault. Retaliating against an employee for using or requesting accrued sick leave is expressly prohibited and subjects the employer to additional civil penalties.


Frequently Asked Questions

Most California employees are entitled to at least 40 hours, or five days, of paid sick leave per year, though some cities and employers provide more generous policies.

No. Disciplining or firing you for using legally accrued sick leave is prohibited and can support a separate retaliation claim.

Think this applies to you?

Sick leave is a protected right in California. Contact us for a free case review if your employer punished you for using it.
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This glossary is provided for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Reading this page does not create an attorney-client relationship with Lawyers for Employee and Consumer Rights. Laws change - for advice specific to your situation, contact our office for a free case review.