Balancing family responsibilities with job demands can be challenging, especially during critical life events like welcoming a new child or caring for a sick loved one. Fortunately, the New Jersey Family Leave Act (NJFLA) offers eligible employees in Atlantic City the right to take unpaid, job-protected leave for family-related reasons. If your employer is interfering with your ability to take family leave, you may have a legal claim under NJ state law.
What Is the New Jersey Family Leave Act?
The NJFLA is a state law that allows eligible employees to take up to 12 weeks of unpaid leave in a 24-month period to care for a family member. Unlike the federal FMLA, which includes leave for an employee’s own health condition, the NJFLA focuses exclusively on family care responsibilities.
Qualifying Reasons for NJFLA Leave
- Bonding with a newborn or newly adopted child
- Caring for a family member with a serious physical or mental health condition
- Providing care during a pandemic or other health emergency (as expanded under recent amendments)
“Family member” under NJFLA includes children, parents, spouses, civil union partners, siblings, grandparents, grandchildren, parents-in-law, and other blood or close relatives.
Employee Eligibility
To be eligible under the NJFLA, you must:
- Work for an employer with at least 30 employees worldwide
- Have worked for your employer for at least one year
- Have worked at least 1,000 hours in the previous 12 months
Eligible employees are entitled to take leave without fear of retaliation or job loss.
How NJFLA Differs from FMLA
While both the NJFLA and FMLA offer job-protected leave, there are some key differences:
- FMLA allows leave for personal health issues; NJFLA does not.
- FMLA applies to employers with 50+ employees; NJFLA applies to those with 30+ employees.
- Employees may qualify for both laws simultaneously and use them for different reasons.
Because of these differences, it’s important to work with an employment attorney to maximize your rights and protections under both laws.
When Your Rights Are Violated
Employers may unlawfully interfere with NJFLA rights by:
- Denying or delaying your leave request
- Failing to reinstate you to your previous position
- Reducing your hours or pay upon return
- Retaliating against you for taking leave
If your employer has taken any of these actions, you may be entitled to compensation and legal remedies.
How Castronovo & McKinney, LLC Can Help
Castronovo & McKinney, LLC is one of New Jersey’s leading employment law firms, committed to Protecting Your Rights. We help Atlantic City workers assert their legal rights under the NJFLA and hold employers accountable when those rights are violated. Whether you’re seeking advice, facing retaliation, or need help returning to work, our attorneys are here to support you at every step.
Take the Next Step in Atlantic City
Family leave is your legal right—not a privilege. If your employer is standing in the way, don’t wait to act. Let us help you enforce your rights and secure the time you need to care for the people who matter most.
Atlantic City Castronovo & McKinney, Employment Law Attorneys are ready to assist you with NJFLA claims and workplace disputes.
Contact Information
New Jersey Office:
71 Maple Ave
Morristown, NJ 07960
Phone: 973.920.7888
Fax: 973.920.7924
New York Office:
420 Lexington Avenue, Suite 1830
New York, NY 10170
Phone: 646.755.3781
Fax: 646.755.3781