Employees in New Jersey have the right to take time off to care for themselves, family members, or new children under the New Jersey Family Leave Act (NJFLA). Unfortunately, some employers ignore these rights, leaving employees vulnerable. If you’ve been denied leave or retaliated against after taking leave in Union County, Castronovo & McKinney can assist with Protecting Your Rights and ensuring justice is served.
What Is the New Jersey Family Leave Act (NJFLA)?
The NJFLA allows employees to take up to 12 weeks of unpaid leave in a 24-month period to care for a child, spouse, or parent with a serious health condition or to bond with a newborn or newly adopted child. Employees are also entitled to job protection during this leave, meaning they can return to the same or a similar position after taking leave.
Key Provisions of the NJFLA:
- Up to 12 weeks of unpaid leave in a 24-month period
- Leave for the birth or adoption of a child, or the serious health condition of a family member
- Job protection—employees are entitled to return to their position after leave
Who Is Eligible for NJFLA Leave?
To be eligible for NJFLA leave, employees must meet the following criteria:
- Employed by a covered employer (those with 30 or more employees)
- Worked for the employer for at least 12 months
- Worked at least 1,000 hours in the 12 months preceding the leave
Common NJFLA Violations
- Refusing to grant leave to eligible employees
- Discriminating or retaliating against an employee for taking leave (e.g., firing, demoting, reducing hours)
- Failing to restore employees to their original job or a similar position upon return
- Improperly denying leave for serious health conditions or family care
What to Do If Your NJFLA Rights Have Been Violated
- Document all communications regarding your leave request and your employer’s response
- Keep a record of any retaliatory actions (e.g., demotion, termination) that occurred after taking leave
- Speak to an employment lawyer about your rights and legal options
Legal Help for NJFLA Violations in Union County
Protecting Your Rights under the NJFLA is crucial to ensure you’re not denied the benefits you deserve or retaliated against for caring for your family. Castronovo & McKinney, LLC has experience helping workers navigate the NJFLA and other leave laws to hold employers accountable for violations.
Contact Castronovo & McKinney Today
If you’ve been denied family leave or faced retaliation after taking it, don’t wait. Contact Castronovo & McKinney today for a confidential consultation and take action to protect your rights.
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