A Filipino caregiver in New York who lost his job for taking post-COVID sick leave has won a case against his employer who was made to pay a penalty.
For four years, Antonio had been taking care of an elderly man with a long-term illness in New York, and in April of 2020, the caregiver caught the virus.
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His employer did not give her permission for leave and instead wanted Antonio to continue looking after her husband even though his caregiver had tested positive for the infection.
A year later in July 2021, Antonio was fired as he took a day off to see a doctor for a regular checkup and the couple was supposed to travel to Florida.
For filing a complaint with New York City’s Department of Consumer and Worker Protection (DCWP), his employer subjected him to harassing phone calls.
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On Jan 12, DCWP Commissioner Peter Hatch announced settlement agreements for violations of the NYC Paid Safe and Sick Leave Law.
Antonio’s employer was required to pay US$18,000 (Php922,814.64) in restitution and $1,000 in civil penalties to recover legal and other costs.
