• On March 12, 2021, Governor Cuomo signed a new law that allows employees in New York to take up to four hours of paid leave time, per vaccination, to get vaccinated for COVID-19, which takes effect immediately and will expire on December 31, 2022
• The law adds Section 159-c to the New York Civil Service Law and Section 196-c to the New York Labor Law (NYLL)
• This new leave entitlement affects both private and public employers and employees
• Employees shall be provided a sufficient period of paid time, not to exceed four hours per vaccine injection, unless the employee is entitled to a greater number of hours of leave pursuant to a collective bargaining agreement or as otherwise authorized by the employer
• COVID-19 vaccination leave cannot be charged against any other leave an employee is entitled to, including sick leave under Section 196-b of the NYLL
• Private employers and employees are covered by the Section 196-c addition to the NYLL which also includes:
• Paid leave of absence at employee’s regular rate of pay
• Employers may not discriminate or retaliate against employees for taking leave
  • For the full version of this new law, please see: https://www.nysenate.gov/legislation/bills/2021/s2588
  • For more information on this new law, please see: https://www.governor.ny.gov/news/governor-cuomo-signs-legislation-granting-employees-time-receive-covid-19-vaccination#:~:text=Under%20this%20new%20law%2C%20employees,This%20legislation%20becomes%20effective%20immediately.

The Attorneys at Levene Gouldin & Thompson, LLP are available to provide advice and counsel concerning matters related to COVID-19.