Photo of Ashley N. Rippolone

Ashley N. Rippolone is an associate in the Silicon Valley, California, office of Jackson Lewis P.C. Ashley represents employers in all phases of litigation in federal and state courts, arbitration, and before administrative agencies, including the California Civil Rights Department and the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission. Ashley’s practice has a strong focus on disability, leave, and health management. She also defends employers against claims of discrimination, sexual harassment, wrongful termination, retaliation, failure to accommodate disabilities, defamation, and wage and hour disputes.

Soon after San Jose passed its supplemental paid sick leave ordinance to respond to the COVID-19 crisis, it issued further guidance regarding the leave. The Director of the Office of Equality Assurance, the office charged with enforcement of the emergency ordinance, has also issued an opinion letter to provide additional information.

The opinion letter addresses

Two California cities, San Francisco and San Jose adopted emergency ordinances to expand paid sick leave and emergency Family Medical Leave Act (FMLA) leave benefits.  The ordinances cover gaps under federal law by expanding leave benefits under the Families First Coronavirus Response Act (FFCRA) to employers with more than 500 employees.

The ordinances cover most