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FMLA

Paid leave can be adverse employment action

03/03/2017
It seems counter-intuitive, but putting someone on paid administrative leave can be an adverse employment action and the basis for a lawsuit.

Beware asking for extra ‘proof’ of FMLA need

03/02/2017
Demanding more than the standard medical certification may amount to interference with an employee’s right to take FMLA leave, as a recent federal appeals court case demonstrates.

Do your supervisors know their FMLA duties?

02/23/2017
Mistakes by front-line managers—usually simple, unforced errors—can lead to costly FMLA liability.

Long absence due to illness? Keep employee apprised of FMLA status

02/09/2017
Sometimes it’s obvious that an employee will miss much more work than her available leave can cover. When that happens, provide her with all the necessary notices about how much leave she has used and when it expires.

FMLA doesn’t prevent firing for poor performance

02/01/2017
Some employees think they can short-circuit discipline if they request FMLA leave or a reasonable accommodation. The assumption: Employers will back off for fear of being sued.

Court: State institutions held immune from suits related to FMLA self-care provisions

02/01/2017
The 3rd Circuit Court of Appeals has ruled that under the Constitution’s 11th Amendment, a state-affiliated educational institution is immune from suit over the FMLA’s self-care provisions.

Request for leave to care for sick relative doesn’t have to be in writing

01/23/2017
If an employee comes forward and requests a work-related accommodation, refusing to make that accommodation may mean the employee becomes eligible for unemployment.

Beware demotion following disability leave

01/03/2017
Before you demote an employee who is returning from a lengthy medical leave, consider whether he might file and possibly win a disability discrimination claim.

You’re not expected to be an FMLA mind-reader

12/29/2016
Merely mentioning an illness isn’t the same as requesting FMLA leave.

Merely mentioning sick relative isn’t enough to constitute an FMLA request

12/29/2016
Before an employee can argue that her employer interfered with her FMLA rights, she has to have put the employer on notice that she needed leave.