As I previously blogged, the Massachusetts Sick Leave Law goes into effect on July 1, 2015. The law is potentially bad news for employers with respect to productivity, expenses, and legal exposure. See previous blog.
Recognizing at least some of these issues, the Attorney General issued Safe Harbor provisions for employers who currently provide (by a policy in existence on May 1) at least 30 hours of paid time off/sick leave for 2015, if certain conditions are met. But don’t just assume that the Safe Harbor applies to your business or that you don’t need to do anything if it does apply. Among other things, you will have to make provisions for part-time employees and other employees who do not currently earn paid time off.
Have your employment lawyer evaluate your current policies and practices. For many employers, you will need to make changes before July 1st. Also, you might as well start getting ready for 2016 even if the Safe Harbor applies to you. You will also have to post notice of the new law. The Attorney General has provided a sample poster.
Keep in mind that the new law impacts all employers, even if you have only one employee. Violating the law, even inadvertently, could get you sued by your employee and/or fined by the Attorney General.
As always, the above is general information, not legal advice.
By Adam P. Whitney, Esq.
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