As we previously reported in the January 2017 issue of the Extra Mile, on October 5, 2016, Cook County passed the “Cook County Earned Sick Leave Ordinance,” effective on July 1, 2017. On April 10, 2017, the Cook County Commission on Human Rights published draft interpretative and procedural rules for its enforcement of the Earned Sick Leave Ordinance. The Commission is soliciting public comment on those proposed rules by May 8, 2017, and will adopt a final version of these rules on or before June 1, 2017.
Of note, in the January 2017 issue of the Extra Mile, we initially reported on the Ordinance and stated that it was not yet clear that it applied to public school districts in Cook County. The proposed rules clarify that the Ordinance does apply to public school districts. HLERK plans on submitting comments to the Commission.
As we reported in January, with limited exceptions, employers in Cook County will be required to provide paid sick leave to covered employees who work at least 80 hours within a 120-day period. Generally, a “covered employee” is defined by the Ordinance as an employee who, in any particular two-week period, performs at least two hours of work for an employer while physically present within the geographic boundaries of Cook County.
In addition, the Ordinance and the proposed rules raise several issues for public school district employers including recordkeeping, procedures for use, and coordination with current paid (and unpaid) sick leave benefits. Our firm continues to analyze these issues.
Cook County school districts should contact Barb Erickson with your inquiries.
