July 11, 2018
On June 28, 2018, Massachusetts Governor Charlie Baker signed a bill establishing a paid family and medical leave program for workers in the state. Under the new law, employed individuals will be provided up to 12 weeks of job-protected paid family leave to care for a family member with a serious health condition and up to 20 weeks of job-protected paid medical leave for the employee’s own serious health condition. The program is funded through a payroll tax and the cost is shared by employer and employee based on the type of leave and the size of the company. Under the law, employed individuals will be allowed up to 80 percent of their wages capped at 50 percent of the state average weekly wage, plus an additional 50 percent of the portion of their wages that exceeds the state average. Deductions will begin July 1, 2019, at a rate of 0.63 percent on each employee’s weekly wage and benefits will become available to employees on Jan. 1, 2021.
The state is expected to provide further guidance on the program and how employers can prepare for it.
Additional information on the law can be found here.
If you have any questions, please email LaborCompliance@castandcrew.com.
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The proceeding information is provided for informational purposes only, should not be construed as or relied upon as legal advice and is subject to change without notice. If you have questions concerning particular situations, specific payroll administration or labor relations issues, please contact your counsel.