How does the Act affect an employers obligations under state laws or collective bargaining agreements?
It does not. The Act is not intended to supersede any state or local laws providing for more generous leave. Although New York has not enacted legislation in this area, California law requires that an employee be granted up to 16 weeks of leave during every 24 month period for the illness of a family member or the birth or adoption of a child. Moreover, an employer’s obligations under a collective bargaining agreement or employment benefit program which provides for greater rights are not diminished by reason of the Act. • When does the Act take effect? The Act becomes effective on August 5, 1993, except that employers whose employees are covered by a collective bargaining agreement in effect on August 5, 1993 must begin to comply with the Act either when that agreement expires or on February 5, 1994, whichever is earlier.
