On October 5, 2016, Cook County passed the “Cook County Earned Sick Leave Ordinance,” effective on July 1, 2017. 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.
It is not yet clear whether this new ordinance will apply to public school districts because of differing interpretations regarding the language and intent of the ordinance. In addition, the ordinance raises several issues for employers including recordkeeping, procedures for use, and coordination with current paid (and unpaid) sick leave benefits. Our firm is currently analyzing these issues.
Contact Barb Erickson with your inquiries.
