Flynn bill closing loophole in sick leave law passes committee

Flynn bill closing loophole in sick leave law passes committee

Vicky Flynn

TRENTON, N.J. – Freshman lawmaker Assemblywoman Vicky Flynn’s bill ensuring New Jersey’s earned sick leave law applies to all employees as intended passed the Assembly Labor Committee on Thursday.

The bill (A2922), which was drafted by Flynn in response to a constituent’s concern, clarifies that employees covered by collective bargaining agreements that don’t technically expire are entitled to use earned sick leave. 

“One of the biggest roles of the legislature is to provide constituent services. When this loophole in the law was brought to my attention, I wanted to right the wrong and make it fair, not only for my constituent, but for all workers who have had urgent health care needs or a sick family member,” Flynn (R-Monmouth) said. “It is rewarding to see my first bill embraced by the Labor Committee and I look forward to it advancing to the floor.”

New Jersey’s sick leave law allows workers, both full and part-time, to earn one hour of leave for every 30 hours worked. When it was originally enacted, it stipulated that the provisions would apply to all workers at a certain date or upon the expiration of their collective bargaining agreements. However, not all contracts are terminable in nature, so employees were unintentionally left out of the law.