Bereavement Leave

Many employers have policies in which they allow employees to take leave due to the death of a relative or friend.   However, there is no law that requires an employer to provide such leave.   Some people confuse the new California law regarding paid sick leave with bereavement leave.   But, the paid sick leave law requires an employer to provide paid sick leave to employees to care for their own health, or that of a spouse, child, sibling, parent or grandparent.   But the paid sick leave law does not extend to bereavement leave which occurs when a relative or friend has died.   Employers who voluntarily have paid vacation or PTO (not required by law) may allow an employee to use vacation or PTO, at their discretion or if their policy provides for it, but they are not required, by law to provide any bereavement leave, paid or unpaid.   

If you have any employment law issues, call Kristine S. Karila to discuss.   (949) 481-6909.   Ms. Karila has been practicing law in Calif. for 24 years.