This bill amends the New Jersey Earned Sick Leave Law to ensure that employees covered by collective bargaining agreements that are amendable, rather than just those that expire or terminate, are entitled to earned sick leave. The current law stipulates that the provisions apply only upon the expiration of collective bargaining agreements. However, many contracts, particularly those governed by the Railway Labor Act, become amendable rather than terminating, which can leave employees without access to earned sick leave during the negotiation of new terms.

The new legal language clarifies that once a collective bargaining agreement becomes amendable, the provisions of the Earned Sick Leave Law will take effect, ensuring that employees are not left without benefits during the negotiation process. The bill also maintains that employers are not required to reduce existing rights or benefits that are more favorable than those mandated by the act, and it allows for the donation of unused sick leave among employees. This legislation aims to protect the rights of workers under amendable contracts and ensure they receive the benefits of earned sick leave.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: 34:11D-8