Massachusetts has one of the most comprehensive leave law frameworks in the US, including the Paid Family and Medical Leave (PFML) program, earned sick time, and extensive job protections.

Paid Sick Leave

Yes — Massachusetts Earned Sick Time Law

Paid Family Leave

Yes — Massachusetts Paid Family and Medical Leave (PFML)

Unpaid Family & Medical Leave

Program Federal FMLA + Massachusetts Maternity Leave Act
Duration Up to 12 weeks under FMLA. Massachusetts Maternity Leave Act provides 8 weeks for employers with 6+ employees.
Eligibility FMLA: employers with 50+ employees, 12 months and 1,250 hours.

Massachusetts provides additional protections beyond FMLA, including broader family member definitions.

Jury Duty Leave

Program Massachusetts General Laws Chapter 234A, Section 29
Paid? No — employers are not required to pay, but cannot penalize employees.

Employers must allow employees to serve on a jury. Employers cannot threaten or penalize employees for jury service.

Voting Leave

Program Massachusetts General Laws Chapter 54, Section 78
Paid? Yes — up to 2 hours of paid time off.

Employees who do not have sufficient time outside working hours to vote are entitled to up to 2 hours of paid time off.

School Activity Leave

Program Massachusetts General Laws Chapter 149, Section 52D
Duration Up to 24 hours per year (not more than 12 hours per child per year).
Eligibility Parents, guardians, or custodial grandparents of children enrolled in K-12.
Paid? Unpaid, but employees may use accrued leave.

Leave is for attending school activities, child care, or meetings related to the child's education.

Domestic Violence Leave

Program Massachusetts General Laws Chapter 149, Section 52E
Duration Reasonable time off for victims of domestic violence, rape, sexual assault, or stalking.
Eligibility All employees who are victims.
Paid? Unpaid, but employees may use accrued paid leave.

Leave can be used for medical care, legal proceedings, counseling, safety planning, or relocation.

Military Leave

Program Massachusetts General Laws Chapter 33, Section 59

Employees who are members of the National Guard or reserves are entitled to military leave.

Other Leave

Small Necessities Leave

Up to 24 hours per year for routine medical or dental appointments of the employee's child or elderly relative (employers with 50+ employees).

Sources

This page is provided for general guidance and does not constitute legal advice. Always check the cited sources for current law before making employment decisions.