Massachusetts Sick Leave Q & A
QUESTION:
I live in NH and work in Massachusetts. I understand there is a new law that will allow employees to earn up to 40 hours of sick leave each year. Is that true and how does that work?
ANSWER:
It’s true; the law goes into effect July 1st of this year, 2015. As of that date, all employees in Massachusetts will be able to earn sick leave, however not all employees will earn paid sick leave. Only where the employer has 11 or more employees, will employees be entitled to paid leave time. Employers with 10 or fewer employees will have to provide earned sick leave, but this time will be unpaid.
QUESTION:
How can I use my earned sick time under the new leave time law in Massachusetts?
ANSWER:
You have the right to use your sick time for a variety of health related challenges. Physical or mental illness affecting either the employee or an immediate family member is covered, as are routine medical appointments. Employees can also use the time to deal with the effects of domestic violence, against either themselves or a dependent child.
QUESTION:
Are there any restrictions I should know about?
ANSWER:
Employees are required to make a good faith effort to provide their employer advance notice in cases where the need for sick time is foreseeable. Employers may also request certification from employees who are requesting more than 24 consecutive work hours of sick leave, although they cannot withhold the paid leave while certification is pending.
