• The HR Specialist - Print Newsletter
  • HR Specialist: Employment Law
  • The HR Weekly

FMLA

Not eligible for FMLA? Don’t assess illness

11/10/2016
When a worker requests FMLA leave but isn’t eligible because she hasn’t worked the requisite hours, there’s no need to go further.

Lost certification during FMLA? No right to reinstatement

11/02/2016
Employees on FMLA leave aren’t entitled to reinstatement if they can’t perform the essential functions of their jobs.

Beware overtime issues when calculating FMLA eligibility

10/17/2016
When an employee requests leave for family care, medical, parenting or military emergencies, the first thing an employer should do is to determine if the leave qualifies as time off under the FMLA.

Return from FMLA leave: Spell out requirements for fitness-for-duty certification in advance

10/12/2016
If you intend to require an employee taking FMLA leave to provide a fitness-for-duty certificate on return, you must make that clear up front when he first requests leave.

Beware close timing between FMLA and firing

10/12/2016
Use caution when terminating someone who is on FMLA leave or has just returned to work following FMLA leave. The timing alone might trigger a lawsuit.

It’s time to update three workplace posters

10/12/2016
Regulators see workplace posters as vital, legal documents; and employers who fail to update them may face fines.

Manage return after intermittent FMLA leave

10/06/2016
When an approved period of intermittent FMLA leave is coming to an end, it’s up to employers to ensure that the transition back to regular work goes smoothly.

Must we grant time off for drug rehab in Texas?

09/29/2016
Q. An employee recently tested positive for drugs during a random drug screening that we periodically administer to ensure that our employees are able to safely operate our systems. The employee admitted that he regularly used drugs, and would like to take several weeks off to participate in a rehabilitation program. Does Texas law require us to grant him time off?

DOL issues revised, more reader-friendly FMLA poster

09/29/2016
The U.S. Department of Labor has updated its FMLA poster to be more easily read by employees.

Do colds and the flu qualify for FMLA leave?

09/15/2016
As it does every year, flu season brings confusion and questions over whether the flu or a common cold can rise to the level of “serious health condition” that qualifies for FMLA leave.