Effective Nov. 21, 2024, Massachusetts will implement new provisions regarding sick leave related to pregnancy loss. Here are the key details:
- Eligibility: Employees who experience pregnancy loss will be entitled to use their accrued sick leave under the Massachusetts Earned Sick Time law. This applies to all employees, including part-time and temporary workers.
- Sick leave accrual: Employees can earn up to 40 hours of paid sick time per calendar year, accruing one hour for every 30 hours worked. Employers with 11 or more employees must provide paid sick time, while those with fewer than 11 are required to provide sick time but it does not have to be paid.
- Notification requirements: Employees must notify their employers of the need to use sick time, typically requiring advance notice unless in emergencies.
- Documentation: While employers can request documentation for absences longer than three consecutive days, they cannot ask for details regarding the specific medical condition or situation related to the use of sick leave.
This new provision reflects Massachusetts’s commitment to supporting employees during difficult times and ensuring they have access to necessary leave for recovery from pregnancy loss. Employers should review and update their sick-leave policies accordingly to comply with these changes.
This information is provided solely for informational purposes and does not constitute legal advice or create an attorney-client relationship. Its content is general in nature and may not address individual circumstances or specific legal issues. Insperity does not interpret clients’ retirement plan documents and does not administer, have discretionary or act as a fiduciary of any client-sponsored retirement plans. For legal advice tailored to your situation, please consult with your legal counsel.