A new law takes effect October 1, 2012, prohibiting Maryland employers from requiring employees to report for certain evening and night shifts after serving on jury duty. The prohibitions apply to shifts starting at or after 5 p.m. on the day the employee appears for jury service, and shifts starting before 3 a.m. the day after the employee appears for jury service. Because employees cannot be required to work these shifts, employers are prohibited from terminating, coercing, intimidating, or threatening to terminate employees who refuse to do so. Employers who operate on day and evening shifts or around the clock should amend their jury duty policies and educate supervisory staff about this important change. This protection applies to employees who are summoned and appear for jury service for four or more hours, including travel time.
For further information, please contact Melissa Jones, chair of the firm's employment and labor group.
This information has been prepared by Tydings for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice.