Pittsburgh posts guidelines for Paid Sick Days Act

The city of Pittsburgh has posted guidelines for administering its Paid Sick Days Act (PSDA). Beginning March 15, 2020, employers with 15 or more employees will be required to provide paid sick time. For companies with fewer than 15 employees, sick time will be unpaid for the first year. After March 15, 2021, however, they also will be required to provide paid sick time.

Employee eligibility and accrual rate

Employees are eligible for sick time if they work within the city's geographic boundaries for at least 35 hours in a calendar year. Not eligible for leave under the law are independent contractors, state and federal employees, seasonal employees, and any member of a construction union covered by a collective bargaining unit.

Employers with 15 or more employees. Eligible employees will receive one hour of paid sick time for every 35 hours worked, up to a maximum of 40 hours in a calendar year, unless the employer designates a higher amount.

Employers with fewer than 15 employees. For the law's first year, eligible employees may accrue no more than 24 hours of unpaid sick time, unless the employer designates a higher amount. Beginning March 15, 2021, eligible employees may accrue no more than 24 hours of paid sick time, unless the employer designates a higher amount.

Use of sick time

Employees may use accrued sick time for: