Skip to Content

Governor Cuomo Signs Legislation Granting Employees Time off to Receive COVID-19 Vaccination

Mon 15 March 2021 News Releases

Public and Private Employees Will Be Granted Up to Four Hours of Excused Leave Per Injection

The new legislation, S.2588-A/A.3354-B, which becomes effective immediately, amends the Civil Service Law to provide public employees paid leave of absence not to exceed four hours per vaccine injection. It further amends the Labor Law to provide private employees paid leave of absence not to exceed four hours per vaccine injection, unless such employee shall receive a greater number of hours pursuant to a collectively bargaining agreement or as otherwise authorized by the employer to receive COVID-19 vaccination.

Details regarding S.2588-A/A.3354-B may be found on the New York State’s website at: https://www.governor.ny.gov/news/governor-cuomo-signs-legislation-granting-employees-time-receive-covid-19-vaccination

The full text of the new legislation may be found at: https://legislation.nysenate.gov/pdf/bills/2021/S2588A

If you have any questions about these recently enacted laws or any recent employment law issues or concerns related to the COVID-19 crisis, please contact attorneys Jacqueline C. Gerrald or Brett R. Gallaway via phone at (212) 448-1100 or via email at  or .

Governor Cuomo Signs Legislation Granting Employees Time off to Receive COVID-19 Vaccination