New Jersey Gov. Phil Murphy has signed a sweeping new law that greatly expands employees’ rights to family leave. Some of the highlights include:
- The law expands the employers covered by the law from those with at least 50 employees to those with at least 30. This prevents more employers from retaliating against employees who take leave.
- Increases the maximum weekly payment for paid family leave from $650 to $860.
- Doubles the number of weeks of paid leave, increasing it from six weeks during a 12-month period to 12 weeks.
- Increases the number of days of intermittent leave increases the amount of intermittent leave an employee can take in a year from 42 days to 56.
- The law broadens the definition of “family member.” Previously, employees could only take paid leave to care for immediate family members. The new law now allows employees to take time off to care for siblings, in-laws, grandparents, grandchildren, other blood relatives, domestic partners and any other individual with “a close association” that is the “equivalent of a family relationship.”
- Expands the definition of “parents” foster parents and those who become parents via a gestational carrier.
- Applies the expanded definition of family member to New Jersey’s Security and Financial Empowerment Act (SAFE Act), allowing an employee can take time off to care for a family member who has been the victim of sexual assault.
If you have any questions about family leave or any other employment matter, we can help. A wide range of federal and state laws are designed to protect employees like you from unfair labor practices, unsafe work conditions and discriminatory treatment. The laws can be complicated and confusing.
With a knowledgeable employment lawyer at your side, you can be sure your rights are protected. Let us review your potential claim at no charge through the contact form below, and help you understand what steps to take next.
