Brooklyn Paid Sick Leave - Rates & Poster Rules

Labor and Employment New York 4 Minutes Read · published February 02, 2026 Flag of New York

In Brooklyn, New York, employers must follow New York City paid safe and sick leave rules that govern accrual, use, and required workplace notices. This guide summarizes accrual rates, poster and notice obligations, enforcement pathways, and practical steps employers and employees can take to comply or file a complaint.

Check your employer's written policy and posted notice first.

Accrual Rates and Use

Under New York City law, most private-sector employers must provide paid safe and sick leave based on employer size and net income. Accrual is typically calculated per hour worked. Employers should keep written records of accrual and use to show compliance.

  • Accrual basis: hourly accrual per hours worked; specific rate depends on employer tier and is set by NYC law.
  • Use: employees may use accrued leave for their own illness, care of family, safe time needs, or as otherwise defined by the law.
  • Carryover and caps: carryover and caps may apply; consult the official law and employer notice for exact caps.
Employers must provide written notice of accruals to employees when requested.

Employer Poster and Notice Requirements

Employers must post the official NYC paid safe and sick leave notice where other workplace notices are displayed, and provide a written copy to new hires and to employees on request. The city publishes an official poster and sample notice employers may use.[2]

  • Location: posted in a conspicuous, employee-visible place at the workplace.
  • Distribution: provided to new hires and to employees upon request.
  • Language: if a workplace customarily uses a language other than English, provide notice in that language when required by the city guidance.
Keep a dated copy of the posted notice and distribution records.

Penalties & Enforcement

Enforcement of New York City paid safe and sick leave is handled by the city agency responsible for workers' rights and consumer protection. The official enforcement page explains how to file complaints and the investigatory process.[3]

  • Fine amounts: specific civil penalty amounts are not specified on the cited page and should be confirmed on the enforcement or code text referenced below.[1]
  • Escalation: information on first, repeat, or continuing offence ranges is not specified on the cited page.
  • Non-monetary sanctions: orders to pay back wages, reinstatement, corrective notices, and court actions are enforcement tools described by the city agency.
  • Enforcer and inspections: the city agency accepts complaints, conducts investigations, and issues findings; see the agency complaint page to submit evidence and contact details.[3]
  • Appeals and review: appeal routes and time limits are governed by the enforcement agency procedures or administrative code; specific time limits are not specified on the cited page.
  • Common violations: failing to provide accrual, denying paid leave, not posting the official notice, and failing to keep records; typical remedies include back pay, posting correction notices, and civil penalties.
Document complaints and communications promptly when pursuing enforcement.

Applications & Forms

The city publishes a poster and complaint form on its official website. For most complaints, no separate pre-approval form is required to assert rights; instead, submit the complaint form or contact the enforcement office as instructed on the agency page.[3]

Action Steps for Employers and Employees

  • Employers: download and post the official NYC paid sick leave poster, adopt written accrual and usage policies, and keep accurate records.
  • Employees: request written accounting of your accrued leave, ask for the employer's policy in writing, and preserve paystubs and communications.
  • To complain: use the city enforcement complaint form and attach evidence like schedules, pay records, and notices.

FAQ

Who must provide paid sick leave?
Most private employers in New York City, including those in Brooklyn, are covered; check the city guidance for specific exemptions.
Where do I get the official poster?
The official poster is available from the city's worker protection page and must be displayed at the workplace.[2]
How do I file an enforcement complaint?
File a complaint with the city agency using the online complaint form or the contact options listed on the enforcement page.[3]

How-To

  1. Confirm whether your employer is covered by NYC paid safe and sick leave by reviewing the city's guidance and employer size tiers.
  2. Locate and download the official poster and provide or check for a posted copy at your workplace.
  3. Request a written accrual statement from your employer showing hours worked and sick leave balance.
  4. If denied leave or poster is missing, gather evidence and submit a complaint to the city enforcement agency via its online form.

Key Takeaways

  • Brooklyn follows New York City paid safe and sick leave rules—post the official notice and track accruals.
  • Enforcement is handled by the city agency; use the official complaint form to report violations.
  • Keep written records and distribute notices to new hires to reduce risk of violations.

Help and Support / Resources

  1. [1] NYC Paid Safe and Sick Leave information
  2. [2] Official NYC paid sick leave poster (PDF)
  3. [3] File a complaint with the NYC enforcement agency

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