Declaring it the “most expansive paid family leave time and benefits in the nation,” New Jersey Governor Phil Murphy signed Assembly Bill (AB) 3975 into law on February 19, 2019.
Nearly all states legislatures are now in session, and the surge of new bills indicates lawmakers are not holding back. Over 1,000 state-level labor and employment-related bills have already been introduced since January 1, 2019.
On January 23, 2019, the Massachusetts Department of Family and Medical Leave released proposed regulations clarifying the rights and responsibilities of employers and employees under the new Massachusetts Family and Medical Leave Law.
Canada saw significant developments in labour and employment law in 2018. As we embark on a new year, we will undoubtedly see the landscape in this ever-changing area of law continue to evolve.
While the partial shutdown has kept Congress at an impasse, it should be business as usual at the state and local levels in January. It is a safe bet that many of the 2018 issues that served as midterm election talking points will reemerge.
Developing a paid sick and safe time policy that complies universally – or even with two laws – has become increasingly challenging. Without fail, each new law seems to contain one provision that could hinder establishment of uniform practices.
