Ferreras-Copeland’s Safe Time Bill Passes Committee

City Council Member Julissa Ferreras-Copeland’s (D-Elmhurst Jackson Heights, Corona) proposed expansion of the Earned Sick Time Act passed the Committee on Civil Service and Labor yesterday.

If it passes by council vote and then gets signed by the mayor, the expansion would then include paid time away from work for victims of domestic abuse, harassment, stalking, and human trafficking to seek counsel at shelters or rape crisis centers; participate in safety planning; move if they have to; or meet with an attorney.

“No victim of domestic violence, sexual harassment, or human trafficking should worry about losing their job or income for taking days off to procure protection,” said Ferreras-Copeland. “With this bill, we are ensuring that survivors and their family members still receive pay while visiting lawyers or support services. I want to thank Mayor de Blasio for his partnership on this proposal and his efforts to protect domestic violence survivors.”

 

This was first introduced to the City Council last year and is only getting through committee now. Since Ferreras-Copeland has decided to not run for another term, this

could be one of her last acts as a City Council member.

The next step for the law expansion is to go to vote on the council floor at a stated meeting, the next of which is next Tuesday, October 17.

The bill is co-sponsored by City Councilmembers Costa Constantinides (D-Astoria, Woodside), I. Daneek Miller (D-St. Albans, Hollis).