MCAD finalizes parental leave guidelines

The Massachusetts Maternity Leave Act became the Massachusetts Parental Leave Act in 2015 after some significant amendments, including that the Parental Leave Act applies to employees of all genders, that full-time employees can use parental leave after just three months of employment even if the employer’s introductory period is longer, and that it requires employers to post a notice about parental leave in the workplace. 

Although the statute was amended more than eight years ago, the Massachusetts Commission Against Discrimination (MCAD) just issued some guidelines on the law, which cover a number of topics, such as when leave may be taken; the type of leave that may be taken; the use of accrued paid time off (PTO) during leave; job restoration following parental leave; the interrelationship between parental leave and other leave laws, including the Massachusetts Paid Family and Medical Leave (PFML) Act; and notice and posting requirements. While employers should carefully review the guidelines, here are the highlights and what they might mean for your business.