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Sick/Sick and Safe Time

Sick Time Accrual: Benefit-eligible employees accrue Sick Time based on hours worked. Sick Time accrues at a rate of one hour for every twenty-one hours worked. Employees can carry over unused Sick Time to the next calendar year up to a maximum accumulation of sixty days.  

Earned Sick and Safe Time (ESST) Accrual: Non-benefit eligible employees accrue ESST at a rate of one hour for every thirty hours worked up to a maximum of forty-eight hours annually. Employees can carry over unused ESST to the next calendar year up to a maximum accumulation of eighty hours.

Use of Sick Time and ESST: Employees may use Sick Time and ESST for their own health and certain family members’ illness, injury, or health conditions; or appointments for diagnosis, care, treatment, or preventive care. Family members include an employee’s child (minor or adult), step child, adopted child, foster child, spouse, sibling, parent, step parent, parent-in-law, son or daughter-in-law, guardian, ward, registered domestic partner, grandchild, or grandparent. “Grandchild” includes a step grandchild, and a biological, adopted or foster grandchild. Victims of domestic abuse, sexual assault, and stalking may use Sick Time and ESST to receive medical treatment and other necessary services. Employees may use Sick Time and ESST to stay home with a family member during emergency closure of school or place of care, including closure due to inclement weather. 

  • Employees must record their Sick Time and ESST in fifteen minute increments.
  • MCAD may request documentation of an illness or absence that lasts longer than three consecutive days.

Extended Absence: In the event of an extended illness (more than five days), employees must work with HR to determine FMLA eligibility (see FMLA section). While employees are away, it is important that they remain in contact with their immediate supervisor so that scheduling arrangements and anticipated return to work dates can be discussed. Employees requiring more than five days of Sick leave, but not eligible for FMLA, may be required to provide evidence of fitness to return to work from their attending physician.

Notification of Unplanned Absence: Employees unable to report for work due to illness or other emergency, should make every effort to contact their direct supervisor as soon as possible during the workday.

Sick Time & ESST at Separation: Accrued but unused Sick Time and ESST will not be paid out at separation. Accrued balances will be forfeited ninety days after separation. Employees located in states other than Minnesota should consult their state addenda for state-specific information concerning this policy.