Castronovo & McKinney, LLC provides legal representation to employees in Longport, NJ who have faced discrimination by employers regarding family leave. Our attorneys defend workers’ rights under the New Jersey Family Leave Act (NJFLA) and hold employers accountable for violations.
Protecting Your Rights Under the NJFLA
The New Jersey Family Leave Act (NJFLA) grants eligible employees up to 12 weeks of family leave within a 24-month period. To qualify, employees must work for an employer with at least 50 employees within a 75-mile radius. The leave can be used for bonding with a newborn or adopted child, or for caring for a seriously ill family member. During leave, health insurance must continue, and employees are entitled to return to the same or an equivalent position.
To be eligible, employees must have worked at least 12 months and logged 1,250 hours in the past year. Notice requirements vary: 30 days for childbirth or adoption and 15 days for caregiving. Emergencies may shorten these timeframes. Retaliation or denial of leave is prohibited.
When Family Leave Applies
Employees are entitled to NJFLA leave for:
- Bonding with a newborn, adopted, or foster child within one year of placement.
- Caring for a child, spouse, parent, domestic partner, or close relative with a serious health condition.
- Assisting a family member during a public health emergency.
The NJFLA does not cover an employee’s own medical condition, which is addressed under the federal Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA).
Common Employer Violations
Employers may violate the NJFLA by:
- Denying or prematurely ending eligible leave.
- Retaliating against employees after returning to work.
- Using family leave against employees in performance reviews.
- Confusing or misapplying NJFLA and FMLA as if they were interchangeable.
How Castronovo & McKinney, LLC Can Help
If your employer has denied NJFLA leave or retaliated against you, Castronovo & McKinney, LLC can help you seek compensation for lost wages, benefits, and emotional distress. In some cases, you may also be entitled to punitive damages, with the employer responsible for legal fees and court costs.
Employees in Longport, NJ who are facing family leave disputes should contact Castronovo & McKinney, LLC for experienced legal counsel. We are committed to ensuring that you receive the leave and protections guaranteed under New Jersey law.