FMLA Raises Issues with Gender Discrimination in Workplace Has the Family & Medical Leave Act changed the way employers hire? The Family & Medical Leave Act (FMLA) was enacted in 1993 in order to secure the right for employees to take leave and care for a sick or newborn family member or for an employee’s […]
FMLA’s New Definition of Spouse Halted in Four States
United States v. Windsor Marriage Act Called into Question in Some States Do you live in a state that supports the Defense of Marriage Act? If you applauded the Supreme Court’s decision in United States v. Windsor — the recent hearing and argument over the Defense of Marriage Act (DOMA) — and wondered what that […]
Find Out if You’re Covered by the Family Medical Leave Act
Are you entitled to protection under the the Family and Medical Leave Act? The Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA) provides that covered employees have a right to return to their jobs after approved, eligible leave. Employees who are eligible for protected FMLA leave may take up to 12-weeks unpaid leave during a 12-month period. […]
Is obesity a disability protected by law?
A Nebraska man has appealed a lower court’s decision that his obesity is not a physical impairment protected by the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). Melvin Morriss III maintains he was denied a job because of the current and future impairments the company associated with his weight. In May 2011, Mr. Morriss, whose body-mass index […]
How to Prepare for FMLA: A Step-by-Step Guide
Changes to your family can be very stressful. Taking time off can add to that stress. Even if the reason you’re taking leave is due to a happy event like the birth of a baby, you don’t want to be distracted by worrying about whether your job is secure or not. If you’re considering FMLA […]
What Employees Should Know About the FMLA & Same Sex Labor Rules
Some companies adopted human resource policies over leave and benefits for domestic partners as early as 1982, before the debate over same sex marriage arose, but now that United States vs. Windsor (2013) has allowed that same-sex marriages performed in states where it’s legal are valid for purposes of federal law, this includes the Family […]
Can You Lose Your Job If You Apply for FMLA?
The Family Medical Leave Act (FMLA) was designed to help employees care for themselves, or their families, for up to twelve-weeks during any twelve-month period, as needed, without fear of losing their jobs. However, the leave is governed by regulations and other important details. Understanding these stipulations can better prepare you and help determine whether […]
What’s Not Covered Under FMLA
The Family Medical Leave Act (FMLA) generally applies to private-sector employers with 50 or more employees within 75 miles of an employee’s work location. If you work for a private-sector employer with less than 50 employees within a 75-mile radius, you are not covered by FMLA. Here are a few other reasons why an employee […]
How to Stop Pregnancy Discrimination in the Workplace
Pregnancy discrimination in the workplace has been receiving a lot of attention recently because of the US Supreme Court case involving UPS. In the case, the Pregnancy Discrimination Act of 1978 is under scrutiny. Justices will make a decision as to what “adequate accommodation of pregnant women” means. Their decision may radically affect what employers […]
Small Companies and Pregnancy Discrimination: What Can You Do?
The Pregnancy Discrimination Act of 1978 (PDA) protects pregnant women from being discriminated against based on their pregnancy. The law states that pregnant women must be treated the same as other employees. However, this law only applies to companies that are larger than fifteen people. Where does that leave women working for small businesses? While […]
