Eugene Sick Leave Ordinance Scheduled to Go Into Effect on July 1, 2015 Postponed
The City of Eugene passed a sick leave law last July that was originally scheduled to go into effect on July 1, 2015. This law (similar to one in Portland) requires employers to provide up to 40 hours of paid sick leave to employees who work in Eugene. The law expressly excludes employees in building/construction industries who are covered by collective bargaining agreements. Sick time accrual will begin January 1, 2016 or at hire, whichever is later. Employees accrue 1 hour of paid sick leave for every 30 hours worked, up to a maximum of 40 hours. A PTO policy that provides equal or greater benefits meets the requirements of this law.
The Oregon legislature is considering a statewide sick leave law that would override the city ordinances. In light of this uncertainty, the Eugene City Council decided to delay implementation until January 1, 2016. Updated information can be found at http://www.eugene-or.gov/sickleave.
If you have questions about whether this new law covers you, or what your obligations are under the new law, please give me a call.