Due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, the Massachusetts governor extended the Commonwealth’s Emergency Paid Sick Leave (EPSL) to April 1, 2022, or when the funding runs out, whichever comes first. The extension also added an additional qualifier for EPSL. As of October 1, the complete list of qualifiers are as follows:
- The employee has been diagnosed with COVID-19 and is unable to telework as a result of their illness;
- The employee has COVID-19 or is waiting for a COVID-19 diagnosis or treatment.
- The employee is recovering from the side effects of a COVID-19 vaccination.
- The employee needs to take care of a family member for the reasons in #2 or #3.
- Is ordered to quarantine by a public health authority, or health provider who believes that the employee’s presence at the workplace would jeopardize others due to COVID-19 exposure or symptoms.
- Is caring for a family member for the reasons in item #5.
Other important points:
- Employers must provide the EPSL, even if the company did not choose to extend the paid leave of the Families First Coronavirus Response Act (FFCRA).
- If an employee has used 40 hours of EPSL, they are not eligible for additional EPSL.
- If the company has extended the FFCRA, that 40 hours can run concurrently with the 40 hours of EPSL.
- The employee must submit the request for EPSL in writing. Sample request forms can be found on the state website, here: https://www.mass.gov/info-details/covid-19-temporary-emergency-paid-sick-leave-program.
For more information, please contact PRINTING United Alliance’s Government Affairs Department at govtaffairs@printing.org or Adriane Harrison, VP of Human Relations Consulting at aharrison@printing.org.