Ever woken up feeling as parched as the Sonoran Desert, fighting off seasonal allergies in Phoenix, or nursing a migraine in Tucson's summer heat? Here's some good news that might feel like a cool drink of water: Arizona is actually one of the more worker-friendly states when it comes to sick leave, thanks to the Fair Wages and Healthy Families Act that passed by voter initiative back in 2016.
Think of Arizona's paid sick time law like our famous saguaro cactus - sturdy, protective, and covering a lot of ground. Whether you're serving guests at a Scottsdale resort, working construction in Mesa's summer heat, or teaching in a Flagstaff classroom, you're likely covered. The law requires nearly all employers, from food trucks to Fortune 500 companies, to provide paid sick time.
Here's what makes Arizona's approach special: Just as our state balances desert heat with mountain cool, our sick leave law balances worker needs with business realities. Employees earn one hour of paid sick time for every 30 hours worked. Small businesses (those with fewer than 15 employees) must allow workers to earn up to 24 hours per year, while larger employers must provide up to 40 hours. And like our desert plants that adapt to survive, these hours carry over from year to year.
What's particularly refreshing (like a monsoon storm in July) is how flexible these protections are. You can use this time not just for your own illness, but also to care for family members, deal with public health emergencies, or handle domestic violence situations. It's as versatile as a desert plant after rainfall.
Under the Fair Wages and Healthy Families Act, most Arizona employees are entitled to paid sick leave. This law applies to full-time, part-time, and temporary employees, ensuring broad coverage.
Key Highlights:
Employees accrue one hour of paid sick leave for every 30 hours worked. The total amount of sick leave an employee can earn depends on the size of the employer:
Employers may choose to provide the full amount of sick leave at the start of the year instead of having employees accrue it over time.
Employees in Arizona can use accrued sick leave for the following purposes:
Covered family members include:
Employers in Arizona must:
Employers who fail to comply with Arizona's sick leave laws may face penalties, including fines and restitution.
Carryover Rules
Unused sick leave can carry over to the following year, but employers are not required to allow employees to use more than the annual accrual cap (40 or 24 hours, depending on company size).
Payout at Termination
Employers are not required to pay out unused sick leave upon termination unless the employer’s policy explicitly states otherwise.
Yes. Employees in Arizona can use accrued sick leave for COVID-19-related reasons, including:
Public-sector employees in Arizona are also covered under this law. Additionally, employees governed by collective bargaining agreements may have sick leave benefits beyond what the law requires.
Q: Can an employer require documentation for sick leave?
A: Employers can request documentation if an employee takes more than three consecutive days of sick leave. However, the documentation requirement must not create an unreasonable burden.
Q: Are part-time and temporary employees eligible for paid sick leave?
A: Yes, part-time and temporary employees are covered under Arizona's paid sick leave law and accrue leave based on hours worked.
Q: What happens if an employer doesn’t comply with the law?
A: Employees can file a complaint with the Industrial Commission of Arizona, which enforces compliance with the Fair Wages and Healthy Families Act.
False. Arizona law covers full-time, part-time, and temporary employees.
False. Sick leave can be used for mental health-related issues, including counseling and therapy.
Not entirely. Unused sick leave carries over to the next year, but annual usage may be capped at 40 or 24 hours.
Paid sick leave is more than just a benefit—it’s a safeguard for employees and public health. It allows workers to care for themselves and their loved ones without sacrificing income. For employers, offering sick leave reduces turnover, boosts morale, and promotes a healthier workforce.
Arizona’s paid sick leave law ensures that employees can prioritize their health without fear of losing income or facing retaliation. Both employees and employers should stay informed about their rights and responsibilities under the law.
If you have questions about your sick leave rights, visit the Industrial Commission of Arizona for more information.