NYC Expands Paid Leave Law For All Workers

NEW YORK, NY — Workers across New York City shared personal stories of juggling job responsibilities and family emergencies during an event in Maspeth, Queens, where officials celebrated the passage of a new paid leave law.

Mayor Zohran Mandani opened the gathering, thanking workers and organizers and emphasizing that the legislation, championed by Council Member Sandy Nurse, gives employees the ability to take paid time off for a wide range of personal and family emergencies.

The law allows workers to use paid leave to:

• Care for a child, spouse, parent or loved one with a disability
• Respond to a natural disaster or workplace violence
• Attend legal or benefits hearings, including housing court or SNAP recertifications

It also guarantees 32 hours of paid leave from the start of the calendar year or from the beginning of a new job, removing the need to accrue hours before being able to take time off.

Samuel Levine, NYC Department of Consumer and Worker Protection Commissioner, said the city sent notices to 56,000 employers to ensure compliance and launched an enforcement audit.

“If employers are not allowing workers to take protected time off, that’s a red flag—and it’s something we intend to fix,” he said.

The agency also released a report showing that workers in all industries and job types use sick leave, highlighting the importance of access to paid time off.

James, a worker with seven children, said the law will help him care for his partner, who is battling brain cancer.

“It would help if I had a little extra time at the job where I didn’t have to feel guilty or fear losing my job while trying to save a life and take care of my family,” he said.

Another worker said the law allowed him to support his pregnant spouse through medical appointments without risking work obligations.

Nurse said the legislation builds on earlier studies by former Council Member Gail Brewer and ensures that workers can handle life’s unpredictable events without facing retaliation.

“Life happens,” she said. "You shouldn’t have to choose between your livelihood and your family."