Summary

There are various types of paid and unpaid leave established in federal, state, and local law, each designed to support employees during different life circumstances.

Paid leave ensures financial compensation for employees who need to take time off work for specific reasons, such as personal or family illness, maternity or paternity leave, caregiving responsibilities, or other personal matters. This type of leave allows employees to attend to their personal needs without facing financial hardship or fearing the loss of their job.

Unpaid leave, while not offering financial compensation, provides job security. It allows employees to take the necessary time off (without pay), with the assurance that their position will be held for them upon their return.

Both types of leave are vital components of employee rights and workplace policies, aiming to balance the needs of the workforce with the operational requirements of employers.

This chapter reviews the following programs:

• The Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA),

• New York State Paid Family Leave,

• New York State Paid Sick Leave, and

• New York City Paid Safe and Sick Leave.