UPDATE: Gov. Baker Adds $25 Million to Temporary Emergency Paid Sick Leave Program

February 17, 2022

Earlier this week, Governor Baker replenished the Temporary Emergency Paid Sick Leave Program fund with an additional $25 million of federal funds.


As a reminder, this program went into effect in May of last year with the focus of providing emergency paid sick leave to employees who need to either self-isolate and care for themselves upon being sick with COVID-19, stay home and care for a family member who is sick, care for a family member who may not be sick, but is required to quarantine, or even if the employee themselves is unable to telework due to COVID-19 symptoms.



Employees who work 40 hours or more per week are entitled to 40 hours of COVID-19 related emergency paid sick leave. Employees who regularly work less than 40 hours per week are entitled to an amount equal to the average number of hours that employee works per week. For those employees whose weekly hours vary each week, employers must provide leave that is equal to the average number of hours that the employee was scheduled to work per week over the previously 6 months. Finally, if an employee with a variable schedule has not worked for the employer for 6 months, the employer must provide leave that is equal to the number of hours per week the employee was reasonably expected to work when hired.


The maximum amount an employer is required to pay per employee is $850, including the cost of benefits. However, employers are able to request reimbursement for payments to employees through the Department of Revenue.


Employers must keep in mind that they may not require employees to use other types of available paid sick leave before they use COVID-19 emergency paid sick leave. Also, employers may not require an employee to find a replacement worker to cover the time the employee will miss while using COVID-19 emergency paid sick leave.


If your business has any questions about this topic, or any other general employment issues, please do not hesitate to contact the attorneys at The Royal Law Firm at 413-586-2288.

Royal Attorneys Secure Summary Judgment at Massachusetts Appeals Court

December 5, 2025
Our attorneys successfully obtained summary judgment in favor of the Defendant from the Massachusetts Appeals Court in a Wage Act and contract dispute. The Complainant alleged entitlement to a substantial variable compensation award following resignation. We demonstrated that the compensation plan made such awards discretionary and contingent on continued employment at the time of payout. The Appeals Court agreed, finding that the award did not constitute wages under the Wage Act and that the Defendant acted lawfully in denying payment. All claims were dismissed in their entirety.

Amy Royal Named 2025 Super Lawyer!

By The Royal Law Firm • November 5, 2025
Attorney Amy Royal has once again been selected as a Super Lawyer ! As published by Super Lawyers Amy B. Royal is a top-rated attorney, with her firm headquartered in Springfield, Massachusetts. Providing legal representation in the New England states and New York, for a variety of different issues, Amy Royal was selected to Super Lawyers for 2014 - 2016, 2019 - 2025. Attorneys like Amy B. Royal are recognized by their peers for their outstanding work and commitment to the spirit of the legal profession. Their knowledge of the law, professional work ethic, and advocacy on behalf of their clients allow them to stand out among other attorneys in the field.