On February 19, New Jersey Governor Phil Murphy signed into law one of the most expansive family leave laws in the country. This law broadens the criteria for employees to be eligible for family leave and increases the paid benefits employees may receive while on family leave. Some employers opposed the law, voicing concern that it would increase their need to pay overtime or to hire additional employees to accommodate additional leaves. Governor Murphy stated, however, that the new law is crucial because "no one should have to choose between earning a paycheck and spending time with a newborn child or caring for an ailing relative." Key highlights of the law are listed below.
With regard to job-protected family leave, the new law:
With regard to paid family leave benefits, the new law:
Employers will now be liable for their failure to post certain notices in the workplace or to provide to the State of New Jersey information necessary to determine employees' eligibility for paid family leave benefits. In addition, the law expands protections for retaliation against employees based on their request or receipt of paid family leave or temporary disability benefits.
Governor Murphy has earmarked $1.2 million to publicize the new law to address concerns that many employees were not aware of their entitlements. Given these changes, employers should review and revise their policies accordingly and prepare for employees' increased use of family leave.
Day Pitney Employment and Labor practice chair Heather Weine Brochin was featured in FIERCE Healthcare's article "FTC Votes 3-2 on Final Rule to Ban Noncompete Agreements, But Legal Challenges Expected."
Day Pitney Employment and Labor practice chair Heather Weine Brochin was featured in Variety's article "FTC Issues Ban on Noncompete Agreements – But Experts Say Rule Will Face Legal Challenges."
Day Pitney Employment Attorneys James Leva, Howard Fetner and Lindsey Viscomi authored the alert "Employee's Medical Marijuana Termination Claim Goes Up in Smoke," that was published by the Connecticut Business & Industry Association (CBIA).
Day Pitney Florida Offices Managing Partner Manuel Garcia-Linares has been appointed to chair the firm's Litigation department. The news was featured in Miami Today.
Day Pitney Alert
Heather Weine Brochin was a guest on the Travel Tuesdays series, which explores the 'need to know' items for doing business in various jurisdictions around the world, on the Employment Law Alliance's podcast Employment Matters.
Day Pitney Press Release
Day Pitney Alert
Day Pitney Associate Daniel Pierre's award from the Association of Black Law Students at Rutgers School of Law – Newark at its 33rd Annual Jazz for Justice Gala was featured in the New Jersey Law Journal's On the Move and After Hours column.
Copyright © 2024 Day Pitney LLP, all rights reserved.