As previously reported in our CPC blog, on Election Day, Massachusetts voters approved a paid sick leave law. Under this new law, which becomes effective July 1, 2015, employees in the state of Massachusetts may qualify to earn and use sick time. Employees will earn one hour of sick time for every 30 hours worked, and begin accruing sick time hours on the date of hire or on July 1, 2015, whichever is later. Employees can begin to use earned sick time on the 90th day after hire.
On April 24, 2015, the Attorney General filed draft regulations for the purpose of clarifying practices and policies in the administration and enforcement of the Earned Sick Time Law. In the proposed regulations, employees may take sick time for routine or emergency visits and travel time. Employees may also take earned sick time if they or family members need to address domestic violence issues. Employees are also required to make a good faith effort to notify their employers about using sick time. Finally, under the proposed regulations, seasonal employees may be allowed to carry unused time from season to season.
Employers interested in obtaining more information and/or submit comments to the Attorney General’s office, make sure to visit the website. There will be listening and hearing sessions throughout Massachusetts. The comment period is scheduled to end this summer.