Employee COVID Protections Signed into Law

COVID-related work absences are now protected in New York for public employees, under legislation signed into law Thursday by Gov. Andrew Cuomo. 

The bill makes it illegal for a public employer to punish an employee for time taken for quarantine or illness related to the pandemic. 

The measure comes after a previous bill required employers to offer four paid hours for their staff to be vaccinated. 

The legislation became an issue of discussion after reports surfaced of disciplinary action being taken against employees for absences that would be excused under the bill. 

Senate sponsor Diane Savino, a Democrat from Staten Island, said one of the major reported instances was in the New York City Department of Corrections. 

“It was shocking to find out that the New York City Department of Corrections was actually punishing their own employees for following the rules that we adopted right here in the State of New York,” Savino said.

“Eight hundred ninety-three correction officers who tested positive and were forced to utilize their sick time to comply with the requirements that were set out by the Department of Health were declared chronically absent. This determination is considered an adverse disciplinary action.”

Assembly sponsor Peter Abbate, a Democrat from Brooklyn, said the bill should put workers' minds at ease going forward.

“These employees can now feel safe while they protect their health, the health of their family and the health of their coworkers without fear of retaliation," Abbate said. 

The new law takes effect immediately.