For Immediate Release
Washington, DC – The ERISA Industry Committee (ERIC) today submitted comments on the State of New York Workers’ Compensation Board’s revised proposed rules on the state’s Paid Family Leave program.
As the only national association that advocates exclusively for large employers on health, retirement, and compensation public policies at the state, federal, and local levels, ERIC has a strong interest in proposals that would affect its members’ ability to provide quality and uniform paid sick leave benefits.
In its comments to the Board, ERIC asked that the proposed rules:
- Increase the threshold number of hours with regard to when an employee becomes eligible for leave benefits to 30 hours of service per week;
- Clearly define “family member” as a child, spouse, or parent, echoing the language and definitions under the Family and Medical Leave Act of 1993; and
- Clarify that the close and continuing proximity between the employee and care recipient must be a physical presence.
“It is imperative that as states create their own paid leave laws they do their best to replicate language that has already been implemented in other states and localities, so as not to create a patchwork of differing laws and regulations across the country,” said Bryan Hum, Retirement and Compensation Associate, ERIC. “Many ERIC members have employees in every state, including New York, and need clear, consistent language to ensure that they are in compliance.”