Reminder – Massachusetts Paid Family and Medical Leave Law Going Into Effect

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Several components of the Paid Family and Medical Leave (“PFML”) law[1] are going into effect beginning the end of this month.  As a reminder, employers must follow the timeline below to comply with the law:

  • September 30, 2019 – Notify all covered individuals of their rights and obligations under PFML by posting the “Notice of Benefits Available Under M.G.L. Chapter 175M”. We have attached a copy of the required posting to this reminder.  Employers must also obtain written acknowledgement (paper or electronic) from each employee indicating that the employee has received notice.
  • October 1, 2019 – Begin withholding PFML contributions from each employee’s qualifying earnings. Employers will be responsible for remitting employee and (if applicable) employer contributions for the quarter (October 1 to December 31) through MassTaxConnect by January 31, 2020.
  • December 20, 2019 – No later than this date, employers that offer paid leave benefits that are at least as generous as those required under the PFML law may apply to the Department for an exemption from making contributions.

If you have questions or concerns about the PFML law, please contact any of our attorneys.

This update is provided for informational purposes only and should not be considered legal advice.

[1] If any part of your workforce is unionized, you may have a bargaining obligation over the new PFML law.  Please contact a VDH attorney if you have any unionized employees to discuss your potential bargaining obligation.