9.06.25 – APFA BOS Base Brief – Paid Family and Medical Leave

Saturday, September 6, 2025

Hello Boston,

Massachusetts PFML is one of the most important benefits available to us as Boston-based workers — but many Flight Attendants aren’t sure how it works or how it differs from FMLA. This guide is here to answer your top questions and help you get started.

What is PFML?

Paid Family and Medical Leave (PFML) is a Massachusetts state benefit that gives you paid, job-protected leave for certain personal or family events.

Qualifying reasons may include:

• Caring for your own serious health condition. (up to 20 weeks)
• Caring for a family member’s serious health condition. (up to 12 weeks)
• Bonding with a new child. (up to 12 weeks)
• Caring for a family member injured during military service. (up to 26 weeks)
• Handling affairs while a family member is on active duty. (up to 12 weeks)

How Much Could I Get Paid?

• Up to 80% of your average weekly wage.
• The maximum benefit amount for 2025 cases is $1,170.64 per week .
• PLEASE NOTE: There is a 7-day waiting period (unpaid) from your first documented callout using PFML, unless you’re bonding with a child after medical leave.
  • Flight Attendants may elect to use Sick or Vacation hours to receive pay during this 7-day waiting period via the MAPFL form in Comply 365.

PFML vs. FMLA — Key Differences

*For information regarding “Paid Productive Hours” for FMLA eligibility read this arbitration award

How to Apply for PFML

1. Get your doctor’s form completed
   1. Download and have your doctor fill out the Certification of Your Serious Health Condition form: Mass.gov form.
      1. Massachusetts also accepts the FMLA paperwork if you already have that completed.
2. Create a profile on Mass.gov
   1. Submit your completed form through your online account.
3. Open a case in Absence Tracker
   1. Path: Jetnet → Resources → Team Member Services → Leaves and Returns → Absence Tracker → Request New Case.
   2. Upload the same completed form under “Add Attachments”

Tips:

• Keep a copy of all forms for your records.
• Apply as soon as possible to avoid scheduling conflicts with trips.
• Continue to manage your schedule while awaiting approval. If you need to call in SK or request a PO, the absence(s) will be recoded by admin once they receive the update from ARC.

New Hires: Do I need 12 months with AA to qualify?
No. If you’ve earned at least $6,500 in Massachusetts during the last 4 completed quarters, and earned 30x your weekly benefit amount, you may qualify — even with only 6 months of flying.

Do I need to use my sick time first?
No. PFML is a separate benefit from the sick time you have earned.
*You may elect to use SK/VC during the 7-day waiting period.

Do I need to submit FMLA forms too?
The state accepts either the MA PFML form or the FMLA paperwork, but you only need to complete one or the other.
*Note that when creating a case in Absence Tracker it will generate FMLA paperwork which can be found in ‘View Attachments’. If you have already done the state paperwork, you may upload or fax that to ARC.

Can I combine PFML with bonding leave?
Yes. If you take medical leave for childbirth, you can then take bonding leave afterward.

This is an important benefit for Massachusetts Flight Attendants, and it’s crucial to understand how it works so you can use it when you need it most. We’d love to hear your additional questions or concerns about Mass PFML. Please reach out to us anytime at [email protected].

In Solidarity,

Luke Williams
APFA BOS Base President
(617) 362-0052
[email protected]

Kea Serikaku
APFA BOS Base Vice President
(617) 362-0052
[email protected]

Melissa Cortez
APFA Base Council Representative
[email protected]