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New FMLA regulations and military leave: What you need to know

01/05/2009

New FMLA regulations go into effect on Jan. 16. Employers must become familiar with these changes and adjust their policies accordingly. Here’s a summary of some of the most important changes to the FMLA.

Can we demand a second opinion on fitness for duty after FMLA leave?

01/05/2009

Q. We have an employee returning from a leave taken under the FMLA. His physician has issued a fitness-for-duty certificate. However, we question the worker’s ability to perform his old job because the length of his absence was too short for him to recover completely. Also, the fitness-for-duty certificate simply states that he is “able” to work, without addressing his specific job duties. Can we send him to another physician for a second fitness-for-duty examination?

May we recover insurance premiums paid while employee was on FMLA leave?

01/05/2009

Q. I have an employee who is taking leave under the FMLA. The company is continuing to pay the same portion of her health insurance premiums that we paid while she was working. If the worker fails to return to work when her protected leave expires, may the company recover the premium payments made during her leave period?

Track reasons for multiple FMLA leaves

12/31/2008

It’s a good idea to keep careful track of the reasons why employees take FMLA leave—especially if an employee takes leave on different occasions for different reasons.

Justice Department sues judge, courts for USERRA violations

12/31/2008

The U.S. Department of Justice has filed a lawsuit accusing the North Carolina Administrative Office of the Courts and N.C. Superior Court Judge Jerry Braswell of violating former Magistrate James Myles’ rights under USERRA.

7 unique employee benefits programs

12/30/2008

From surveys of employees’ lifelong dreams to alumni reunions to baby showers for moms-to-be, here’s a rundown of seven innovative benefits practices employers are using to reward and retain the staff they need. They’re compiled from the popular "What’s Working" pages of HR Specialist‘s Compensation & Benefits newsletter.

What are the risks of continuing a no-fault attendance policy?

12/24/2008

Q. Our company’s attendance policy calls for issuing a warning when an employee has three absences. Five absences result in a suspension, and seven absences result in termination. Can we continue this policy?

Generous about leave? Beware FMLA suit anyway

12/24/2008

What happens if an employer discourages an employee from taking FMLA leave and instead offers more than 12 weeks off with full pay? Can the employee still sue for interference with his right to FMLA leave if he isn’t reinstated to his prior position or an equivalent? The apparent answer is "yes."

Do we have to grant paid leave for time an employee will spend testifying in court?

12/24/2008

Q. An employee has been subpoenaed to appear as a witness in a criminal case. Are we required to pay him for that time, or can we have him take vacation time or an unpaid leave of absence?

Do we have to pay health insurance opt-out bonus during FMLA leave?

12/18/2008

Q. Our company offers a health insurance opt-out incentive, paying employees $400 a month if they use their spouses’ insurance plans. We now have an employee going out on FMLA maternity leave. Do we have to keep paying her $400 per month?