Thomas J. Szymanski
As a reminder, NJFLA provides job-protected leave for workers at large employers to care for family members. On the other hand, FLI provides wage-replacement benefits to workers during a leave used to care for a family member. FLI applies regardless of the size of the employer and is funded by employee payroll deductions.
Summary of the most significant changes:
Coverage
- Definition of family member expanded from children, parents, spouses, and civil union partners to also include siblings, grandparents, grandchildren, parents-in-law, domestic partners, “any other individual related by blood to the employee,” and even close friends who are “the equivalent of” family.
- Leave can be taken to assist a family member who is a victim of domestic or sexual violence.
- Effective immediately.
Job Protections
- Job protections expanded to cover workers at employers with at least 30 employees, rather than the current minimum of 50 employees.
- Effective June 30, 2019.
Paid Time Off
- Consecutive leave doubled from 6 weeks to 12 weeks.
- Intermittent leave increased from 42 days to 56 days.
- Effective July 1, 2020.
Financial Benefits
- Wage replacement levels increased from up to 66.7 percent to up to 85 percent of a worker’s average weekly earnings.
- Cap on wage replacement amount estimated to increase from $650 to $860 per week.
- Effective July 1, 2020.
As violations of these laws carry significant penalties in New Jersey, you should contact a member of Blank Rome’s labor & employment practice group if you have any questions about compliance with New Jersey’s leave laws or any other leave issues.