The San Francisco Family Friendly Workplace Ordinance (FFWO) gives certain employees the right to request flexible or predictable work arrangements to assist with caregiving responsibilities.

Employers with 20 or more employees are covered by the law.  Employees of these employers are covered by the law if they are (1) employed in San Francisco, (2) have been employed for six months or more by their current employer, and (3) work at least eight hours per week on a regular basis.  Covered employees may request the flexible or predictable working arrangement to assist with care for:

1. a child or children under the age of eighteen;
2. a person or persons with a serious health condition in a family relationship with the employee; or
3. a parent (age 65 or older) of the employee.

Within 21 days of an employee’s request for a flexible or predictable working arrangement described above, an employer must meet with the employee regarding the request. The employer must respond to an employee’s request within 21 days of that meeting. 

An employer who denies a request must explain the denial in a written response that sets out a bona fide business reason for the denial and provides the employee with notice of the right to request reconsideration.

If you have questions about the San Francisco Family Friendly Workplace Ordinance or wish to report a violation of the law, call 415-554-6424 or email ffwo@sfgov.org.

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Statutory Authority

The San Francisco Board of Supervisors passed the Family Friendly Workplace Ordinance on October 8, 2013. The law became operative on January 1, 2014.

• Family Friendly Workplace Ordinance, San Francisco Administrative Code Chapter 12Z

Forms and Documents

• Sample FFWO Request Form (Word) English Spanish Chinese
• FFWO Overview Presentation (PDF)
• FFWO FAQs: Published by the Office of Labor Standards Enforcement on July 25, 2014

Contact Us

Please call (415) 554-6424 or email ffwo@sfgov.org with questions regarding your rights and responsibilities under the San Francisco Family Friendly Workplace Ordinance.

Related Web Links 

• Employer Best Practices for Workers with Caregiving Responsibilities - U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission
• www.Ask4Flex.org - Overview of the FFWO and resources for employers and employees.

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