Amendments to New York City’s Earned Safe and Sick Leave Law

Expert OpinionEmployment Law

Effective Feb. 22, 2026, NYC’s ESSTA (Paid Time Off Law) requires private employers to provide paid and unpaid safe and sick leave, plus paid prenatal leave. Employees get up to 56 hours of paid leave, 32 hours of unpaid leave, and 20 hours of prenatal leave annually, with rules on accrual, carryover, and documentation. Employers must notify employees, track leave, and comply with strict documentation and notice requirements. Non-compliance can lead to penalties and lawsuits.

9 minute readApril 06, 2026 at 06:46 AM