Seattle Paid Sick Leave Benefits Start Sept 1

Remember last year when Seattle passed paid sick leave legislation and workers embraced to a brass rendition of Ain't That America while a cloud of doves dry-humped in the sky?

On September 1, the legislation will finally go into effect and most Seattle employees will start to accrue paid sick and emergency time off. The law applies to all employers with more than four full-time employees, and all employees—including full time, part-time and temporary workers—are eligible to receive the benefits, which can be used for personal illness or injury (including domestic violence and sexual assault) or to take care of family members.

It's a really great ordinance that can only be diminished if business owners and workers don't know their rights. Which is why the city is sponsoring two free public workshops to discuss the legislation:

Monday, August 13, 2:00 p.m. – South Seattle: Tutta Bella in Columbia City (4918 Rainier Avenue S)

Tuesday, August 21, noon – North Seattle: Ballard Campus Swedish Medical Center (5300 Tallman Ave. NW)

If you can't spare the time, this city website has a great overview on how sick time is accrued and who the law affects.