Maryland Flexible Leave Act

Earlier this year, Maryland adopted the Flexible Leave Act (the "Act"). The purpose of the Act is to authorize employees of certain employers to use leave with pay for the illness of the employee's immediate family. The Act takes effect as of October 1, 2008. Important provisions of the Act include the following:

1. Only earned leave may be used.
2. "Immediate Family" includes a child, spouse and parent.
3. "Leave with pay" means time away from work for which an employee receives compensation and includes sick leave, vacation time and compensatory time.
4. The Act applies to employers that employ 15 or more individuals and is engaged in a business, industry, profession or trade in the State.
5. The Act does not affect leave granted under the Family and Medical Leave Act of 1993.
6. If the employer already has a flexible leave act under a collective bargaining agreement or employment policy which is equal to or greater than the benefit under the Act, the more liberal provisions will govern.

If you have any questions regarding this matter, please contact Ronald Lyons, Esq. at (240) 778-2306 or via email: Ronald Lyons.