Massachusetts Family Leave Laws
The Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA) provides broad protection for employees who need to take time off from work to take care of their health needs or those of a family member. As a worker in Massachusetts, you are also protected by state family leave laws. If your employer has denied you leave, you may have a choice of pursuing a claim under the FMLA or a Massachusetts state law.
At the law firm of [nap_names id=”FIRM-NAME-3″] in Boston, our attorneys offer a confidential consultation to discuss your options under state and federal law. Call us at [nap_phone id=”LOCAL-REGULAR-NUMBER-2″].
What Are The Differences Between The FMLA And Massachusetts Law?
Massachusetts allows employees the right to take unpaid leave in some situations that are not covered by the FMLA.
For example, the FMLA requires employers with at least 50 employees in a 75-mile radius to provide up to 12 weeks of unpaid leave in any 12-month period to care for themselves if they have a serious health condition or to care for a sick family member.
In addition, Massachusetts law offers the following types of leave not covered by the FMLA:
- The Massachusetts Maternity Leave Act (MMLA) required employers with at least six employees to provide up to eight weeks of unpaid leave to female employees following the birth or adoption of a child.
- The Small Necessities Leave Act requires employers with at least 50 employees to provide employees up to 24 hours of unpaid leave in any 12-month period to attend to certain family obligations, such as participate in school activities for a child, accompany a child to medical or dental appointments, or accompany an elderly relative to an appointment for medical, dental or professional services.
The following are examples of Massachusetts general laws that require employers to provide their employees with unpaid leave:
- Chapter 149, section 105D for maternity leave
- Chapter 149, section 52D for small necessities leave
For More Information About Family And Medical Leave Act Claims
To learn more about the FMLA and Massachusetts family leave laws, talk to the lawyers at [nap_names id=”FIRM-NAME-3″] in downtown Boston. Call us at [nap_phone id=”LOCAL-REGULAR-NUMBER-2″] or email us your questions.