In June 2025, the Pittsburgh City Council unanimously approved an amendment to the Pittsburgh Paid Sick Days Act. The amendment significantly increases the number of hours of paid sick leave employers of all sizes must provide to employees annually and increases the rate at which paid sick leave is accrued.
Background
Pittsburgh’s Paid Sick Days Act took effect in March 2020, setting minimum sick leave requirements for employers within the geographic boundaries of the City of Pittsburgh. Under the current version of the Paid Sick Days Act, employers with 15 or more employees must provide their employees with at least 40 hours of paid sick leave per year, earned at a rate of 1 hour for every 35 hours worked. Employees can roll over unused sick leave, but only up to 40 hours each year.
Smaller employers — those with fewer than 15 employees — are required to offer at least 24 hours of paid sick leave per year.
What’s changing on January 1, 2026?
The new ordinance will go into effect on January 1, 2026, and will significantly increase the number of hours of paid sick leave employers must provide to their employees. Employers with 15 or more employees will be required to provide employees with 72 hours of paid sick leave, earned at a rate of 1 hour for every 30 hours worked. Employees can roll over unused sick leave, but only for up to 72 hours each year. For example, if an employee carries over 10 hours of unpaid sick time from 2025 to 2026, the maximum number of hours that an employee may accrue for 2026 is 62 hours.
Smaller employers — those with fewer than 15 employees — will be required to offer at least 48 hours of paid sick leave per year.
Recommendation to employers
Employers in violation of the Paid Sick Days Act may face civil penalties, fines, and actions to force the equipment of an employee’s lost wages. With that in mind, Pittsburgh employers should familiarize themselves with the upcoming ordinance and begin revising and adjusting their policies and handbooks accordingly.
