California Changes Covid Workplace Rules; Covid Sick Pay Requirements Eliminated

istock_051620_futureworkplace
istock_051620_futureworkplace

ismagilov/iStock

COVID-19 cases are once again on the rise in California, and state regulators are updating the rules for workplaces to help prevent the spread of the virus. One major change is the elimination of COVID sick pay requirements. Employers will no longer have to pay an infected employee to stay home if they’re sick. Workers will have to used existing sick time and other benefits. The new rules will take effect next year after a legal review. Business groups had been calling for the supplemental sick pay to be removed. Labor groups are worried about weakened protections right when the virus may be in the middle of a winter surge. The SF Chronicle reports the vote Thursday afternoon by the Cal/OSHA Standards Board was six-to-one. Only management representative Kate Crawford voted no.