Have you recently suffered a loss in your family and you are not sure whether your employer would allow you to take time off?

In this video, attorney Syndel L. Knoll Berman discusses a new California Bereavement Law that was just enacted in 2023, which allows employees to take up to five days of bereavement leave in the event that they lost a loved one.

If you are experiencing issues in the workplace—including issues regarding bereavement law in California—contact us for a FREE consultation now (818) 610-0955.

Transcript:

Have you recently suffered a loss in your family and you are not sure whether your employer would allow you to take time off?

Hi, I’m Syndel, the managing attorney here at Knoll Law Group. This video is going to talk about a new California bereavement law that was just enacted in 2023 and it allows employees to take up to five days of bereavement leave in the event that they lost a loved one.

California Bereavement Leave Law – AB 1949

This new law, AB 1949, makes it unlawful for an employer to refuse to allow an employee up to five days of bereavement leave to grieve the loss of a family member. Now, what’s amazing is this law is separate from the 12 weeks afforded to employees under the California family rights act. So it’s just additional protection.

Bereavement Law Restrictions

But not all employees are eligible. You have had to work with your employer for at least 30 days to be eligible. And in addition, you need to take the leave within three months of the death.

Bereavement for Family Members

Now, what is really amazing about this leave is that there are really no limitations as to how many times you can take the leave. So, if an employee unfortunately suffers several losses in their family, they can take the five days of bereavement leave per loss. And in addition, family member, as defined under the law, really means a spouse, a child, a parent, a sibling, a grandchild, a grandparent, a domestic partner, or a parent-in-law.

Paid vs Unpaid

And finally, whether the leave is paid or unpaid really depends on certain factors, such as, are you a state employee, or does your employer already have bereavement policies in place that allow for paid or unpaid leave?

But usually, you can use your accrued paid sick leave to cover your bereavement leave. The death of a family member is always just a tragic and difficult time for any person, but hopefully this law allows the employee feeling a little bit comforted knowing that they can take up to five days to properly grieve their loved ones without fear of retaliation.

Help With Your Employer’s Bereavement Policy

So if you have any questions about this new law, and whether your employer is properly abiding by it, then give Knoll Law Group a call for a free legal consultation.