We are concerned with the proposed legislation that would expand the Family Leave Act from six to twelve weeks. Doubling the leave period could create serious staffing issues, particularly for small businesses who may be required to cover key functions with a smaller staff for a longer period of time. The proposal also creates a one-size-fits-all solution when every business is different with different needs. New Jersey already has a generous family leave policy that is available to all employees.
Michele N. Siekerka, Esq., President and CEO
New Jersey Business & Industry Association
Shame on NJBIA for opposing a bill that would help lower income wage earners who are predominantly female. Since the cap would remain in place, this would not effect those earning more than $50,000 and would benefit those who need help the most. The argument can also be made that this change would not significantly impact the length of the leave because employees are already entitled to 12 weeks of NJFLA. This would just allow some mostly female lower income workers to spend a little more time bonding with their newborns since they can be paid a more equitable percentage of their salary. And shame on NJBIA for opposing that.