Paid Sick Leave Now Available to Motion Picture Industry Workers in Connecticut

While Connecticut was the first state to pass sick leave legislation back in 2011, it did not apply to workers in motion picture production.  However, as of January 1, 2025, the law applies to all employees working for an employer that employs 25 or more employees in the State.  Starting January 1, 2026, employers with 11 or more employees in the State, and starting January 1, 2027, employers with at least one employee in the State, must adhere to the law.  The paid sick leave legislation cannot be waived by a collective bargaining agreement (except for the construction industry).  Sick leave accrues at the rate of one hour for every 30 hours worked and there is a 120-day waiting period before employees can use sick leave.  Up to 40 sick leave hours can be accrued and used each year and carried over from year to year; although, payout of an employee’s unused balance is not required upon separation of employment.  Separation of employment resets the sick leave balance to zero, but if the 120-day waiting period has previously been met, the employee does not need to wait another 120 days to use sick leave upon rehire.  A poster must be posted at the workplace and individual notice must be given to each employee upon hire (both available here).  The full text of the law is available here and FAQs are available here.