Info About About Sick Leave During Corona-Virus Pandemic

As of last night Gov. Lamont has closed down all bars, movie theatres, gyms and restaurants in the state of Connecticut. Connecticut currently has 41 confirmed cases of corona-virus, four of which are in New Haven, very close to us here in Meriden. With so many businesses shutting down and many residents engaging in self-isolation to help stop the spread of infection, it is important to know how to know your rights when it comes to leave during this stressful time. Loss of income can be an unfortunate effect of this pandemic, so it is important to know the laws currently in place in Connecticut.

In 1993 the Family and Medical Leave (FMLA) act was passed and Connecticut has provided similar protections in state law since 1996. Recently this past June the Governor signed major changes into Connecitut’s FMLA. The current FMLA offers up to 12 weeks without demotion, punishment, or retaliation for up to 12 weeks for family and medical related issues. But unfortunately this is unpaid leave under the current FMLA. The new FMLA laws which were signed into law in June will not go into effect until January, 2022. To read more about the changes going into effect and the current laws click here.

Protections under the FMLA are difficult to understand without the help of an attorney. Under the current FMLA, you cannot be punished for taking sick leave, but unfortunately it will be unpaid. If your employer is not allowing your sick leave it is important to talk to a skilled local Meriden lawyer to receive the compensation you are entitled to.