NYC sick leave law now recognizes your 'chosen family'

NEW YORK (FOX5NY.COM) - Under a new law, most workers in New York can use their sick days to take care of someone who is like family but not necessarily a blood relation. The provision is part of Mayor Bill de Blasio's new Paid Sick and Safe Leave Law.

The new law covers many private-sector employees and is also the first of its kind by letting employees use their paid sick leave if they or a family member have been the victim of domestic violence, stalking, or human trafficking.

Laurie Morrison, an employee advocate civil rights attorney, told Fox 5 that this kind of protection is long overdue. She said New Yorkers shouldn't have to be scrutinized and embarrassed by their reasons for taking sick leave for people that weren't previously recognized.

As for taking care of friends who are like family, some could see how they might use their sick time a little differently.

In recent years, other cities—including Los Angeles, Chicago, and Austin—have passed similar laws that allow workers to take care of their "chosen family."

Under this new law, workers won't get extra sick days. Instead, they'll have an additional way to use the ones they currently have.