Eileen Kean, the State Director of the National Federation of Independent Businesses (NFIB), testified before the Assembly Labor Committee on September 19, 2024. She expressed opposition to bill A-4621, which would require employers to disclose information about leave eligibility in hiring packages.
Kean argued that such a requirement imposes an unnecessary burden on small businesses. "Main Street businesses are the foundation of New Jersey’s economic engine," she stated. She highlighted that small business owners are already struggling due to post-Covid issues and inflation.
She questioned the necessity of providing documentation outlining time-off eligibility before work hours have accrued. Kean also raised concerns about whether this requirement applies only to full-time employees or part-time employees as well.
Kean believes that determining qualifications for various leave acts should be the responsibility of the employee when a personal issue arises. She referenced several relevant laws including the "Family Leave Act," P.L.1989, c.261, and the federal "Family and Medical Leave Act of 1993."
Additionally, Kean criticized potential monetary penalties that could be imposed on small businesses by the Commissioner of Labor and Workforce Development. NFIB has requested a "No" vote on A-4621.
