Balancing your job with family responsibilities can be challenging—especially when a loved one is seriously ill or you’re welcoming a new child into your home. Fortunately, workers in Egg Harbor Township are protected by the New Jersey Family Leave Act (NJFLA), which gives employees the right to take job-protected leave to care for their families without fear of losing their employment.

What Is the NJ Family Leave Act?

The NJFLA allows eligible employees to take up to 12 weeks of unpaid, job-protected leave during any 24-month period to care for a family member. This is separate from—and can be used in addition to—federal FMLA leave.

What Qualifies as NJFLA Leave?

You may take leave under the NJFLA for the following reasons:

• The birth or adoption of a child
• To care for a seriously ill or injured family member
• To provide care related to a public health emergency involving a family member

Who Is Covered by the NJFLA?

You are likely covered if you:

• Work for a company with 30 or more employees worldwide
• Have worked at least 1,000 hours in the past 12 months
• Need leave to care for a child, parent, spouse, civil union partner, sibling, grandparent, parent-in-law, or other close relation

How NJFLA Differs From FMLA

• FMLA covers your own medical condition; NJFLA does not.
• NJFLA applies to smaller employers (30+ employees).
• NJFLA includes more types of family members (e.g., siblings, grandparents).

Employer Obligations Under NJFLA

• Grant eligible leave requests without retaliation or interference
• Reinstate employees to the same or equivalent position upon return
• Continue employee benefits during the leave period

Common NJFLA Violations

• Denying leave despite eligibility
• Retaliating against employees who request or take leave
• Failing to reinstate employees to their original roles

What to Do If Your NJFLA Rights Are Violated

1. Document everything: Keep records of your request, employer response, and any changes to your job.
2. Report internally: Raise the issue with HR or your supervisor.
3. Seek legal counsel: An employment lawyer can help you file a claim and recover lost wages or damages.

How Castronovo & McKinney Can Help

Castronovo & McKinney, Employment Law Attorneys represent employees in Egg Harbor Township whose rights under the NJ Family Leave Act have been denied or violated. Their team can evaluate your situation, help you take legal action, and work to recover what you’re owed.

Contact Castronovo & McKinney, LLC Today

If your employer has interfered with your right to care for your family, don’t wait. Contact Castronovo & McKinney today for a confidential consultation and let their experienced attorneys fight for your rights and your future.

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