Maryland’s labor laws in 2025 continue to evolve, offering enhanced protections for workers and outlining clear responsibilities for employers. These updates aim to foster a fair and safe working environment across the state.
🛡️ Worker Protections Under Maryland Labor Laws
1. Minimum Wage Increases
As of January 1, 2025, Maryland’s statewide minimum wage stands at $15.00 per hour for non-tipped employees. Tipped employees must receive at least $3.63 per hour, with the total earnings (wages plus tips) equaling at least the state minimum wage. Notably, Howard County has set its minimum wage at $16.00 per hour for businesses with 15 or more employees, effective January 1, 2025. Montgomery County’s rates are tiered based on employer size, ranging from $15.50 to $17.65 per hour, effective July 1, 2025.
2. Paid Sick Leave
Under the Maryland Healthy Working Families Act, employers with 15 or more employees must provide at least 1 hour of paid sick leave for every 30 hours worked, up to 40 hours per year. Employers with fewer than 15 employees are required to offer unpaid leave at the same accrual rate. This leave can be used for the employee’s or a family member’s illness, preventive care, or issues related to domestic violence, sexual assault, or stalking.
3. Parental Leave
Maryland’s Parental Leave Act mandates that employers with 15 or more employees provide a reasonable amount of unpaid leave for temporary disability due to pregnancy, including childbirth, recovery, and related conditions. Additionally, employers with 15 to 49 employees must offer up to 6 weeks of unpaid leave for childbirth, adoption, or foster care placement, applicable to employees who have worked at least 1,250 hours in the prior 12 months.
4. Heat Illness Prevention
Effective September 30, 2024, the Maryland Occupational Safety and Health (MOSH) finalized its Heat Illness Prevention Standard, incorporated into COMAR as Chapter 09.12.32. This regulation aims to address heat stress in the workplace, ensuring the safety of workers in hot environments by outlining preventive measures and emergency protocols.
5. Wage Range Transparency
Starting October 1, 2024, Maryland employers are required to disclose the pay range, benefits, and other compensation for jobs in all job postings. This law applies to both internal and external job postings and includes advertisements through various mediums such as social media, emails, and printed flyers.
🏢 Employer Responsibilities Under Maryland Labor Laws
1. Workplace Safety
Employers must adhere to safety regulations set forth by MOSH, including the newly implemented Heat Illness Prevention Standard. This involves providing necessary training, maintaining safe working conditions, and ensuring that employees are aware of the protocols to follow in case of heat-related emergencies.
2. Family and Medical Leave
While Maryland labor laws do not have their own family and medical leave law, employers with 50 or more employees are subject to the federal Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA). This law entitles eligible employees to up to 12 weeks of unpaid, job-protected leave per year for specified family and medical reasons.
3. Workers’ Compensation Insurance
Employers in Maryland are required to provide workers’ compensation insurance to cover medical expenses and lost wages for employees who are injured on the job. This insurance is mandatory for most employers and ensures that workers receive necessary care and compensation in the event of a workplace injury.
4. Unemployment Insurance
Employers must also contribute to the state’s unemployment insurance fund, which provides temporary financial assistance to workers who become unemployed through no fault of their own. This program helps support individuals while they seek new employment opportunities.
📌 Key Takeaways
- Minimum Wage: Maryland’s minimum wage is $15.00 per hour, with higher rates in certain counties.
- Paid Sick Leave: Employers with 15 or more employees must provide paid sick leave.
- Parental Leave: Unpaid leave is required for pregnancy-related conditions and family care.
- Workplace Safety: Adherence to safety standards, including heat illness prevention, is mandatory.
- Transparency: Job postings must include compensation details.
These updates to Maryland labor laws in 2025 reflect the state’s commitment to enhancing worker protections and ensuring that employers uphold their responsibilities. Both employees and employers should familiarize themselves with these laws to ensure compliance and promote a fair working environment.
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