When life calls for you to care for a loved one, the last thing you should worry about is losing your job. The New Jersey Family Leave Act (NJFLA) provides job-protected leave for workers who need time off to bond with a child or care for a family member with a serious health condition. If you’re employed in Union County, understanding your rights under the NJFLA is the first step toward Protecting Your Rights.
What Is the NJFLA?
The NJFLA is a state law that allows eligible employees to take up to 12 weeks of unpaid, job-protected leave during any 24-month period to:
- Bond with a newborn or newly adopted child
- Care for a family member with a serious health condition
Unlike the federal FMLA, the NJFLA does not cover leave for your own medical condition—it is specifically for family caregiving responsibilities.
Eligibility Requirements
To be eligible for NJFLA leave, you must meet the following conditions:
- Work for an employer with at least 30 employees
- Have worked at least 12 months for the employer
- Have worked at least 1,000 hours in the preceding 12 months
What Are Your Rights?
As an eligible employee, you are entitled to:
- Take up to 12 weeks of leave in a 24-month period
- Return to your job or an equivalent position
- Maintain your health benefits during leave
- Be protected from retaliation for exercising your rights
How NJFLA Differs from FMLA
While both laws offer leave protections, there are key differences:
- FMLA: Covers your own medical condition; applies to employers with 50+ employees
- NJFLA: Covers only care for family members; applies to employers with 30+ employees
In some cases, you may be eligible for leave under both laws, allowing for extended protection.
What to Do If Your Rights Are Violated
If your employer has denied you leave, retaliated against you, or failed to reinstate you after leave, take the following steps:
- Document all requests and responses related to your leave
- Review your company’s leave policies
- Consult an employment law attorney to evaluate your case
Legal Help for Union County Employees
Protecting Your Rights under the NJFLA is essential to maintaining your career and your responsibilities at home. Castronovo & McKinney, LLC has extensive experience handling family leave cases across Union County. Their legal team can help you assert your rights and pursue legal remedies if those rights have been violated.
Contact Castronovo & McKinney Today
If you’ve been denied leave or faced retaliation for taking time to care for your family, contact Castronovo & McKinney today. They’re ready to guide you through the process and fight for the protection you deserve.
New Jersey Office:
71 Maple Ave
Morristown, NJ 07960
Phone: 973.920.7888
Fax: 973.920.7924
New York Office:
420 Lexington Avenue, Suite 1830
New York, NY 10170
Phone: 646.755.3781
Fax: 646.755.3781
