New Jersey Wins Statewide Paid Sick Days

“It took years of organizing, wins in 13 municipalities, support from local residents, community groups, health care professionals, business leaders, clergy, local mayors and a new Governor, but New Jersey has become the tenth state in the nation to win paid sick days. We congratulate our member coalition, NJ Time to Care, for their persistence, determination and ability to garner widespread support to push this bill over its final hurdle.

More than a million New Jersey workers will now have access to paid time off to care for themselves or a loved one. NJ Time to Care partners are proud that this win covers all businesses – large or small – and includes paid time for those who need to deal with the aftermath of domestic and sexual violence. It also includes the most inclusive definition of family, mirroring America’s families. Those in LGBTQ relationships, people who care for grandparents, aunts, uncles and loved ones outside of the nuclear family model, can heed doctors’ orders and take the time they need to care for their chosen family. New Jerseyans helped lead the way in winning municipal paid sick days, and we are thrilled that residents statewide will now be able to prioritize their own health and the health of their family without having to risk putting food on the table.

New Jersey’s win comes on the heels of victory in Maryland, the first state in 2018 to pass a paid sick days policy, and Austin, the first southern city – with many more on the horizon.”

Contact: Kayla Ermanni, kayla.ermanni@berlinrosen.com, 202-800-7408