Maine Family Medical Leave Act

The Maine Family Medical Leave law allows for 10 weeks of unpaid leave during any 24 month period. The law when combined with the Federal act may provide  unpaid job-protected leave for differing population segments. The two laws works differently in terms of who is covered, and how the laws work.

What you will find on this page:

* Who is covered
* Key Provisions
* Maine Family Medical Leave and the Federal law
* Affording all the time off from work

The Maine Family Medical Leave Act applies differently based upon the size and type of employer:

• Private employers - 15 or more employees at one location
• State Agency - all locations
• County, City, Municipal - 25 or more employees

Your employer must continue any employer-provided health benefits, including dental, vision, and other benefits.  You may be required to pay your portion of the premiums.  These contributions will now be AFTER TAX, costing you more out of pocket that while you are working.

You have a right to re-instatement to previous position or one that is equivalent in terms of benefits, pay, and other conditions of employment.

The Family Medical Leave Act (FMLA) is a federal law, whereas the Maine Family Leave Act applies to Maine workers only.  Some key differences include:

• Length of leave is shorter - 10 weeks in a 24 month period for the ME law versus 12 weeks in a 12 month period for the Federal law
• Employer size varies - Employer size and type varies with the Maine law (see above) versus 50 employees for the Federal law

Maine law does not provide for paid leave for all workers.  The Maine Family Care Act extends paid leave benefits to the care of family members for those workers who have a negotiated leave for their own leave.  Nor does the state have any mandated short term disability coverage.

If you are planning a pregnancy consider purchasing short term disability insurance before getting pregnant.  Your benefit for normal delivery may greatly exceed the premium paid, helping to create maternity leave income and providing a financial cushion to allow you to bond with your baby without worrying about how to pay bills.