As a reminder to contractors, in January, the Department of Labor (DOL) created Fact Sheet #84, Paid Sick Leave for Federal Contractors, which includes paid sick leave (PSL) requirements under Executive Order (EO) 13706 for certain employers that contract with the federal government. EO 13706 requires certain employers to provide employees up to seven days of PSL annually.

Here is a summary of the Fact Sheet. For more detailed information, please refer to Fact Sheet #84 provided by the DOL:

• Exclusions: Contracts performed outside the 50 states and the District of Columbia, grants, certain contracts with Indian Tribes, small construction contracts, and contracts for manufacturing or furnishing materials are excluded.

• Employee Coverage: Applies to employees working on or in connection with covered contracts, including those governed by the SCA, DBA, or FLSA. Employees working less than 20% of their time on such contracts are excluded.

• Accrual and Usage: Employees accrue one hour of paid sick leave for every 30 hours worked. Contractors can cap annual accrual at 56 hours and must allow carryover of unused leave. Paid sick leave can be used in increments as small as one hour and must be requested by any reasonable method. Certification is required for absences of three or more consecutive days.

• Interaction with Other Laws: E.O. 13706 does not supersede other laws requiring greater leave rights. Compliance with state or local laws does not exempt contractors from E.O. 13706. Paid sick leave under E.O. 13706 is in addition to the SCA and DBA obligations.

• Violations: Contractors may not interfere with or discriminate against employees using paid sick leave. Violations may result in remedies such as reinstatement, lost pay, liquidated damages, and potential future contract debarments.

• Responsibilities: Contracting agencies must include paid sick leave clauses in covered contracts and assist in enforcement. Contractors must comply with record-keeping, confidentiality, and notification requirements.

• Complaints: Violations can be reported to the WHD by any affected party.

For additional information: DOL Fact Sheet #84: Paid Sick Leave for Federal Contractors

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