Understanding New Provision for Paid Time Off for COVID Vaccinations

March 18, 2021

By: Peter A. Jones

As a bonus to Bond’s March 16 webinar about the evolving legal implications of COVID-19 for business, Bond labor and employment attorney Peter A. Jones recorded a short video discussing details of New York State’s new rule requiring employers to give workers paid time off to get vaccinated against COVID-19.

The new law, signed by Gov. Andrew Cuomo on March 12, allows workers to take up to four hours of paid leave to receive a vaccine injection. For vaccines that require two doses, an employee is entitled to up to four hours per shot. 

Other highlights in Pete’s video:

  • Employees who are able to schedule their shot during non-work hours will not receive any paid leave. 
  • The provision allows for leaves of greater than four hours if negotiated as part of a collective bargaining agreement. 
  • The new law prohibits retaliation against workers who exercise their right to this leave.  

The full presentation covered the following topics:

  • Update from Albany
  • Relief Package – The Relief Provisions
  • Employment Claims and COVID
  • The NY SHIELD Act – Are You in Compliance?

Click here to view the webinar in its entirety or to register for upcoming Tuesday presentations.