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.
Massachusetts offers two main paid leave systems. The Earned Sick Time Law under MGL Chapter 149 Section 148C grants employees up to 40 hours of sick leave annually, with paid time required for employers with 11 or more workers. Paid Family and Medical Leave under MGL Chapter 175M provides up to 12 weeks of family leave and 20 weeks of medical leave with partial wage replacement, funded by employer-employee payroll contributions. The state generally preempts cities from creating different leave systems for private employers, though local enhancements for municipal employees are common.
Retaliation or denial of statutory leave subjects employers to triple damages, attorney fees, and civil penalties under MGL Chapter 149 wage enforcement provisions.
See how Belchertown's paid leave preemption rules stack up against other locations.
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