Insights

Alert: Massachusetts New Paid Family Medical Leave Law: What You Need To Know

In 2018, Massachusetts passed the new Paid Family Medical Leave law. Earlier this year, the Massachusetts Department of Family and Medical Leave, which is charged with enforcing and administering the PFML, promulgated regulations and revised regulations. Several important deadlines for employers are approaching under these Regulations.

Alert: Updates to Paid Family Medical Leave Act - MA Issues Regulations for Public Comment

The Massachusetts Department of Family and Medical Leave released updated draft regulations for public comment on the new Paid Family Medical Leave law which include key additions and clarifications for employers.

Reminder to Massachusetts Employers: Paid Family and Medical Leave Benefits Become Available on January 1, 2021

In 2018, Massachusetts passed the Paid Family Medical Leave Act (“PFMLA”). While many employers have been focused on issues arising out of the pandemic, it is time for employers to turn their thoughts back to the PFMLA, under which employees become eligible for leave starting on January 1, 2021.

New Paid Leave Obligations for Employers with Fewer than 500 Employees

As a growing number of Americans are forced to stay home for virus-related reasons, the federal government enacted legislation yesterday to enhance paid leave policies for employers with fewer than 500 employees. Our Labor, Employment & Benefits team outlines the important points for these policies.

Further Guidance Issued on Paid Leave Obligations under the Families First Coronavirus Response Act

The FFCRA takes effect on April 1, 2020, and applies to leave taken between April 1, 2020, and December 31, 2020. The new guidance—provided in a Fact Sheet for Employees, a Fact Sheet for Employers, and a Questions and Answers document—addresses the following key questions.

Alert: Massachusetts High Court Affirms $2 Million Jury Verdict in Favor of Employee Who Vacationed During FMLA Leave

The Massachusetts Supreme Judicial Court recently affirmed a jury’s finding that an employee was wrongfully terminated after he took a vacation during his FMLA leave.

Application of Medical Leave and Accommodation Rights to the Virus

The business community has never seen anything like COVID-19. It is unprecedented in scale, scope, and impact. Choate’s Labor, Employment, and Benefits team outlines current guidance related to common issues on coronavirus and its effect on the workplace.

Are You Ready? Three Weeks Until New Noncompete Law Takes Effect

Massachusetts’ new noncompete law takes effect on Monday, October 1. While the new law raises as many questions as it answers, for companies with Massachusetts employees, there are some clear to-dos in the short term.

New Law Prohibits Employers from Mandating Arbitration of Sexual Assault or Harassment Claims

On March 3, 2022, President Biden signed a new federal law prohibiting any U.S. employer from requiring employees to arbitrate sexual harassment or sexual abuse claims.