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How to Hold Your Boss Accountable for Sick Leave Pay in Colorado
If you work in Colorado, you are legally entitled to paid sick leave under state law. However, some employers may try to withhold or avoid paying it. Knowing your rights and the proper steps to take can ensure you receive the benefits you are owed. Here’s how you can hold your boss accountable for paying your sick leave in Colorado.
Understand Your Rights Under Colorado Law
Colorado’s Healthy Families and Workplaces Act (HFWA) requires employers to provide paid sick leave to employees. Here’s what you should know:
- Accrued Sick Leave: Employees earn at least one hour of paid sick leave for every 30 hours worked, up to 48 hours per year.
- Public Health Emergency Leave: During a declared public health emergency, employers must provide additional paid leave (up to 80 hours for full-time employees).
- Valid Uses: You can use sick leave for your own illness, caring for a sick family member, obtaining mental health care, or addressing needs related to domestic abuse or sexual assault.
Steps to Hold Your Employer Accountable
1. Document Everything
Start by keeping detailed records of your sick leave accrual and usage. Your employer should provide regular pay stubs or statements indicating your accrued sick leave. If they do not, request this information in writing.
2. Communicate with Your Employer
If your employer denies your sick leave pay:
- Politely remind them of Colorado’s sick leave law.
- Submit a written request for the payment, specifying the dates and hours of leave taken.
- Request an explanation if they refuse to comply.
3. Refer to Colorado Labor Laws
If your employer remains non-compliant, cite the HFWA. Providing them with resources or directing them to the Colorado Department of Labor and Employment (CDLE) website may encourage them to comply.
4. File a Complaint with the CDLE
If your employer refuses to pay:
- File a complaint with the Colorado Department of Labor and Employment (CDLE).
- Visit the CDLE’s website and complete the Wage and Hour Complaint Form.
- Attach any supporting documentation, such as emails, pay stubs, and records of denied leave.
5. Seek Legal Help
If your complaint does not resolve the issue, consider consulting a labor attorney. Many employment lawyers offer free initial consultations and can help you take legal action if necessary.
Preventative Measures for the Future
- Know Your Rights: Stay informed about updates to Colorado’s labor laws.
- Check Your Pay Stubs: Regularly review your sick leave balance.
- Encourage Workplace Awareness: Share knowledge with coworkers to ensure everyone understands their rights.
Final Thoughts
Colorado law protects workers from retaliation for using sick leave. If your employer refuses to pay or penalizes you, take action immediately. By staying informed and following the proper steps, you can ensure your rights are upheld and hold your employer accountable for the sick leave you are legally owed.
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