Paid Leave Preemption: Boston vs Chelsea
How do paid leave preemption rules compare between Boston, MA and Chelsea, MA?
Boston has fewer restrictions than Chelsea.
Boston, MA
Suffolk County
Boston employees are covered by two state-level paid leave regimes: Paid Family and Medical Leave under MGL Ch. 175M and Earned Sick Time under MGL Ch. 149 §148C; Boston cannot enact stricter local mandates.
View full Boston rules →Chelsea, MA
Suffolk County
Massachusetts provides paid family and medical leave through the PFML program under MGL Chapter 175M, plus paid sick time under the Earned Sick Time Law for most employees.
View full Chelsea rules →Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | Boston | Chelsea |
|---|---|---|
| PFML max leave | 26 weeks combined | - |
| Sick time accrual | 1 hour per 30 worked | - |
| Sick time cap | 40 hours/year | - |
| Sick paid threshold | 11+ employees | - |
| Authority | MGL Ch. 175M / 149 §148C | - |
| - | - |
Highlighted rows indicate differences between cities.
Boston FAQ
Does Boston have its own sick leave law?
No. Boston relies on the statewide Earned Sick Time Law under MGL Ch. 149 §148C, which preempts cities from setting different accrual rates or caps.
How is PFML funded?
PFML is funded by payroll contributions to the Family and Employment Security Trust Fund, split between employers of 25+ and employees, set annually by the Department of Family and Medical Leave.
Chelsea FAQ
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