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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.
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Rachel A. Gonzalez was recently recognized by New Jersey Law Journal as a "2020 Top Woman in Law."
Daniel Schwartz was quoted in the Connecticut Law Tribune article, "5 Tips for Employment Lawyers in the Age of COVID-19."
The Connecticut Law Tribune interviewed top attorneys, including Day Pitney Partner and Executive Board Member Glenn Dowd, about Big Law continuing to come up with new safety protocols and procedures in how to safely deal with opening its offices.
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Day Pitney Managing Partner Thomas Goldberg was quoted in Hartford Business Journal article, "Hartford law firms see spike in COVID-19-related business."