California workers will get five sick days instead of three under law signed by Gov. Newsom

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California workers will get five sick days instead of three under law signed by Gov. Newsom
apnews.com

Workers in California will soon receive a minimum of five days of paid sick leave annually, instead of three, under a new law Gov. Gavin Newsom signed Wednesday.

The law, which takes effect in January, also increases the amount of sick leave workers can carry over into the following year. Newsom said it demonstrates that prioritizing the health and well-being of workers “is of the utmost importance for California’s future.”

“Too many folks are still having to choose between skipping a day’s pay and taking care of themselves or their family members when they get sick,” Newsom said in a statement announcing his action.

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Not true - you do not get infinite sick days

You get your regular salary for up to 6 weeks, after that there is a steep drop in pay - since you receive „sick pay“ then. After 72 weeks sick pay ends. Then you might be eligible for social security.

"Steep drop" means 80% of your normal pay.

I mean depending on what that's 80% of it could be the difference between affordability and lack thereof

No - not that easy. it is 70% of your pre tax income with a maximum of 90% your net income. How deep the cut actually is depends on several factors. One factor: There is a maximum amount you can receive - no matter how high your income was. If you earn well and cross that threshold, you will receive way less than the official percentages. To compensate for that you have to get a private insurance.

Thanks, compared to 5 days, 6 weeks subjectively feels infinite (for an average healthy employee)

It's important to point out, this is not people deciding not to come to work for 6 weeks and all is good, government picks up the tab. You actually have to be sick, that is to say doctor opens this leave, confirms there's a need for one, etc.

The Employer pays the first 6 weeks, not the government.

That is also not completely correct.

You can get infinite sick days. It just has to be a different illness every 6 weeks. (not repeating the same year)

If you stay in the first 6 weeks threshold you are technically correct - but good luck finding an employer that will keep employing you. You will get sent to an doctor appointed by your employer and if you are „simulating“ you will get fired easily.

A year in Norway. 26 weeks after the last sick leave, the quota starts again.