The Missouri Department of Labor and Industrial Relations has released a new Earned Paid Sick Time poster outlining new sick time rules. Starting May 1, 2025, most employers across the state must offer earned paid sick time under Missouri's new state law. The updated poster must be displayed in workplaces where employees can easily see it.
Key Details of the Earned Paid Sick Time Law
Under the new law, employees will begin accruing earned paid sick time at a rate of 1 hour for every 30 hours worked. Accrual amounts vary based on business size:
- Employers with 15 or more employees must allow up to 56 hours of paid sick time per year.
- Employers with fewer than 15 employees must allow up to 40 hours annually unless they choose to offer more.
This requirement applies to most private businesses, although there are exceptions: public employers, service or retail businesses with less than $500,000 in annual gross sales, and certain employees covered by collective bargaining agreements effective before November 5, 2024.
Retaliation Protections
Employers are prohibited from retaliating against employees who use their earned sick time. Disciplinary action tied to legitimate use of earned paid sick time is not allowed, and employees can pursue civil action for violations of their rights.
Effective Dates
- April 15, 2025: Employers must begin displaying the new Earned Paid Sick Time poster.
- May 1, 2025: Sick time accrual officially begins.
Possible Repeal Efforts
Although ongoing legal and political efforts exist to overturn the law, it's still set to go live on schedule on May 1. Current challenges include:
- A case pending before the Missouri Supreme Court.
- House Bill 567, which aims to repeal the new sick time requirements, is currently being debated in the state Senate.
Even if the repeal measure moves forward and becomes law, it won't take effect until August 28, 2025. So, for now, employers are expected to comply with the current rules starting this spring.
Employer Takeaways
All Missouri employers not explicitly exempted from the new law must immediately post the required Earned Paid Sick Time poster where notices to employees are customarily displayed. Posting the newly released notice fulfills obligations under the new Earned Paid Sick Time law. Additionally, employers must begin sick time accruals starting May 1, 2025.
Labor Law Posters Online's updated 2025 Missouri labor law posters now includes the newly required poster. Our compliance poster solution is guaranteed to include all recent updates to any required Missouri and federal posters. Existing Labor Law Posters Online customers in Missouri who purchased our annual poster updates subscription will automatically receive the digital and physical notice.
