New York City lawmakers have introduced a proposed bill aimed at permitting employees to take time off to care for their sick pets like that which is currently allowed for family members.
This initiative, sponsored by City Council Member Shaun Abreu, seeks to amend and expand the Earned Safe and Sick Time Act, which mandates that employers provide paid sick leave for employees to tend to their health or that of their family members, by including pets and service animals.
Council Member Abreu underscored the importance of mental health as a rationale for incentivizing pet ownership through this legislation.
He referenced research indicating that pet ownership can decrease cortisol levels, a hormone associated with stress, and can promote physical activity while alleviating social isolation.
“I believe that one of the simplest ways to support mental health is by encouraging pet ownership,”
Mr. Abreu conveyed to the New York Times.
He further stated, “Maintaining the health of our pets correlates with our well-being.”
However, the proposed legislation, titled Introduction 1089, has faced criticism from some stakeholders who express concerns over the potential misuse of resources provided by employers.
Critics argue that the provision may lead workers to exploit these benefits and that certain employers might not readily accommodate requests for time off related to pet care.
Kathryn Wylde, president of the Partnership for New York City, articulated these concerns, stating, “These benefits entail costs, and while it is understandable for an employee to take leave when unwell, it represents a different scenario when the absence is discretionary.”
Wylde elaborated, “The overarching concern is that this could contribute to escalating living and operational costs in New York.” If enacted, this law could represent one of the inaugural measures of its kind within a major urban area.
Currently, New York City legislation allows employees at companies with 100 or more employees to receive up to 56 hours of paid leave annually for personal health reasons or to care for family members.
Conversely, employees at smaller businesses are entitled to only 40 hours of paid leave per year. This proposed amendment would extend the entitlement to include service animals and pets kept legally for companionship; however, the specific types of animals covered by this legislation have yet to be defined.
The proposed legislation has been referred to the Committee on Consumer and Worker Protection this week, and should it pass, it will become law 120 days thereafter.
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