Vermont Statewide Rule
Vermont Paid Leave and Earned Sick Time Statewide
Key Facts
- Authority
- 21 V.S.A. chapter 5, 4B
- Accrual Rate
- 1 hour per 52 worked
- Annual Cap
- 40 hours permitted
- FAMLI Program
- Optional paid leave
- Enforcement
- Department of Labor
Summary
Vermont's Earned Sick Time Act under 21 V.S.A. 481 establishes statewide paid sick leave for most employees, with limited preemption of local mandates.
(b) An employer may require a waiting period for newly hired employees of up to one year. During this waiting period, an employee shall accrue earned sick time pursuant to this subchapter but shall not be permitted to use the earned sick time until after completing the waiting period.
Full Breakdown
Vermont's Earned Sick Time Act, codified in 21 V.S.A. chapter 5 subchapter 4B, requires employers to provide one hour of paid sick leave for every 52 hours worked, capped at 40 hours per year. The law applies to most employees who work an average of at least 18 hours per week for at least 20 weeks. Employees may use leave for personal illness, family caregiving, or domestic violence situations. Vermont does not have a statewide paid family medical leave program, though optional FAMLI insurance is available. Local authority to expand paid leave is largely unaddressed, allowing some municipal flexibility for public employees.
Violations & Penalties
Earned sick time violations carry civil penalties up to $5,000 per offense plus restitution for unpaid leave under Department of Labor enforcement.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do Vermont employers have to provide paid sick leave?
Does Vermont have paid family leave?
Sources
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