BBC’s Newshour recently covered the proposed expansion of New Jersey’s Family Leave Act. Currently, the act allows employees to take up to 12 weeks off to bond with a newborn, adopt or foster children, or care for a sick relative, with their job protected, as long as the workplace has more than 30 employees. However, the Assembly will consider broadening the law to cover workers in smaller businesses.

Under the proposed changes, employment reinstatement would be extended to workers from companies with 20 or more employees. This threshold would then gradually decrease over two years, eventually covering businesses with just five employees.

While supporters argue this is a matter of fairness, as every employee contributes to the paid family leave program, opponents from the New Jersey Business and Industry Association fear the law could be particularly harmful for small businesses. There are concerns that the law could limit flexibility by requiring employers to keep a role open for an employee on leave. This, coupled with the Temporary Workers Bill of Rights, which requires employers to pay temporary and permanent workers the same salary, could potentially financially strain businesses.

Eric Richard, from the New Jersey AFL-CIO, asserts that the bill doesn’t expand the paid family leave program. Instead, it provides job protection for those in smaller businesses who choose to use the benefit. The legislation still needs to be approved by the state Senate Labor Committee before it can be voted on in the full Upper House.

If you’re looking for more specific information regarding this topic, or have any questions about how to get a hold of Paid Family Leave in New Jersey, eddcaller.com offers various resources. This website can provide comprehensive guidance on contacting the relevant authorities in charge of Paid Family Leave and answer any queries related to the topic.