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FMLA

Pierce terminated worker’s ‘FMLA shield’

07/09/2019
Workers commonly believe they can’t be fired or disciplined while they are out on FMLA leave. They’ll threaten to sue if they believe their jobs are threatened. But their faith in the protective power of the FMLA is misplaced.

Neither ADA nor FMLA require indefinite leave

07/02/2019
Disabled workers with serious health conditions have other time-off options once FMLA leave expires. But there is no requirement for employers to provide continuous, indefinite leave based on the mere hope that the worker will soon be able to return to work.

How to improve the FMLA? DOL wants your ideas

06/20/2019
Even after 25 years, compliance with the FMLA still confuses and trips up employers. Recognizing this, the U.S. Department of Labor says it will soon seek public comments on ways to improve FMLA regulations.

Transfer after taking FMLA leave? That could be considered retaliation

06/13/2019
If you transfer an employee soon after she has returned from FMLA leave, you could wind up facing an FMLA retaliation lawsuit. And as long as the employee can show the transfer was motivated by the use of FMLA leave, she can take a lawsuit to a jury.

Take extra care when firing after ADA, FMLA

06/10/2019
Firing an employee who is returning from ADA or FMLA leave is a risky proposition. Make absolutely sure you can justify the termination with legitimate business reasons that have nothing to do with missing work, taking leave or requesting accommodations.

Before signing settlement, consider other filings

06/06/2019
Sometimes, an employee files several discrimination complaints about incidents that are allegedly related. If you’re thinking about settling one complaint, be aware that other, related claims may remain outstanding.

Suspend attendance amnesty during FMLA

05/31/2019
Many employers let employees “work off” points they rack up for absenteeism and tardiness. A new federal court ruling says employers may stop the clock from ticking while an employee is out on FMLA leave.

100%-healed policy = $950,000 settlement

05/31/2019
Do you have a policy requiring injured workers to be 100% healed before they can return to work? Do you automatically terminate workers who try to come back with medical restrictions or who say they need more time off? Then get ready to write a big check.

DOL opinion letter on FMLA timing muddies the waters

05/06/2019
Employers must run FMLA leave concurrently with any paid leave an employee takes for an FMLA-qualifying condition, according to a new opinion letter from the U.S. Department of Labor.

Disabled or not, you’re justified to call regular attendance an essential job function

05/06/2019
Disabled employees are entitled to reasonable accommodations for their disabilities if those accommodations allow them to perform the essential functions of their jobs. But smart employers make it clear that, generally speaking, regular attendance is both expected and essential to the job.