With paid sick go away packages on the rise, increasingly states are establishing new legal guidelines for employers. One state that has taken its legislation to the following degree is Maine. The Maine paid go away legislation takes issues a step additional: paid go away for any purpose.
Learn on to study all concerning the Maine paid go away legislation, together with which staff are eligible and the way a lot go away staff can earn and use.
Transient recap of paid sick go away
Paid sick go away is paid day without work an worker can take in the event that they or a member of the family are sick. Presently, there isn’t a federal sick go away legislation. Nonetheless, a number of states have adopted their very own paid sick go away legal guidelines. Some states with paid sick go away embody Arizona, California, and Colorado.
As talked about, with Maine’s legislation, “An Act Authorizing Earned Worker Go away,” staff can take paid go away for causes aside from sick time.
In case you reside in a state with paid sick go away or paid go away for any purpose, it is advisable to know your state’s necessities. Paid go away legal guidelines by state specify data like accrued day without work charges, accrual limits, and which employers should observe the legislation.
Maine paid go away legislation
So, what units Maine other than states with paid sick go away?
Maine’s Earned Paid Go away legislation permits staff to make use of mandated paid go away for any purpose. This contains go away for private, household, or medical causes. Nevada and Illinois are different states that enable paid go away for any purpose.
Maine’s legislation was signed on Might 28, 2019. In case you’re a Maine employer, it is advisable to know the whos, whats, whens, wheres, and whys of the legislation. Check out some questions and solutions under to begin studying extra about Maine’s paid go away legislation.
When did the legislation go into impact?
Maine’s legislation started on January 1, 2021.
Who should take part?
Maine employers with greater than 10 staff who work greater than 120 hours in a calendar 12 months should present paid go away.
Seasonal staff usually are not eligible for Maine paid sick go away. The legislation additionally doesn’t apply to staff with collective bargaining agreements.
Who’s exempt?
Small companies with fewer than 10 staff should not have to supply paid go away to staff. Once more, seasonal employers are additionally not required to take part.
How a lot paid go away can an worker accrue?
Workers can earn one hour of paid go away for each 40 hours labored. An worker can earn as much as 40 hours of paid go away yearly.
Employers have the liberty to supply extra beneficiant advantages than these mandated by state legislation.
When can staff start accruing paid go away?
Workers start accruing paid go away at first of employment. Employers can implement a 120-day ready interval earlier than letting staff use accrued paid go away.
Workers are required to supply “affordable discover” of their intent to take go away (besides within the case of emergencies or unpredicted occasions or diseases). The legislation doesn’t but outline what is taken into account an affordable discover. Nonetheless, the legislation states, “use of go away have to be scheduled to forestall undue hardship on the employer.”
How a lot can an worker obtain throughout go away?
Employers should pay staff their common wages throughout paid go away.
Employers should additionally preserve staff’ advantages (e.g., medical insurance) for workers on go away. Workers can’t lose accrued worker advantages in the event that they take paid go away.
Can staff carry over accrued time?
Workers can carry over as much as 40 hours to the following 12 months.
What are the penalties for not being compliant?
Employers who violate the legislation might be topic to penalties of as much as $1,000 per violation.
You’ll be able to contact the state for extra data.
The place can I discover extra data?
You’ll be able to study extra about Maine’s Earned Paid Go away by trying out the Division of Labor’s FAQs.
Need assistance recording your staff’ accrued paid sick go away? Patriot’s on-line time and attendance software program is a superb add-on to our on-line payroll software program. Begin your self-guided demo right now!
This text has been up to date from its authentic publication date of September 11, 2019.
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