FMLA, Sick Time & Other Employee Leave Laws

State and federal law provides employees with a broad range of protected leave. The Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA) is a federal statute that applies to employers with 50 or more employees. Massachusetts provides sick leave for personal illness and to care for relatives, maternity and paternity leave, leave for adoptive parents and leave relating to domestic violence.

Many of the rights afforded by these statutes are based on the status of the employer and employee and the other leave options. They also have specific requirements regarding notice, certification by medical providers and returning the employee to the same or equivalent position. Failure to adhere to these requirements may result in violations. Damages available for such violations depend on the specific statute, but may include back and front pay, attorney’s fees and, at the state level, trebling of damages.

State and Federal Protected Leave Laws and Regulations