Bernalillo County Commissioners in New Mexico approved an “any reason” leave law by a narrow margin on Aug. 20, 2019.
DOL Opines That Parent’s Attendance at Individualized Education Program Conference Warrants FMLA Leave
In an Aug. 8, 2019 opinion letter, the U.S. Department of Labor’s Wage and Hour Division (WHD) shed some light on what counts as “caring for” a family member under the FMLA.
Oregon Governor Signs Paid Family and Medical Leave Law
Oregon’s paid family and medical leave law was signed by Governor Kate Brown on Aug. 9, 2019.
San Francisco Employers May Have to Pay More in Paid Parental Leave Benefits in 2020
Currently, employers who have 20 or more employees (located anywhere) are required to provide eligible San Francisco employees with up to 6 weeks of supplemental compensation when an employee takes time off to bond with a new child. Effective July 1, 2020, this requirement will increase to 8 weeks of supplemental compensation.
Pittsburgh Sick Leave Law Upheld
The Supreme Court of Pennsylvania held recently that the City of Pittsburgh had authority to enact the Paid Sick Days Act.
Employer’s Additional Notice Requirement for Requesting FMLA Leave Dooms Dismissal Attempt
While the FMLA regulations clearly authorize employers to adopt “usual and customary notice and procedural rules for requesting leave, absent unusual circumstances,” this case suggests employers should closely review any such rules to determine whether they place impermissible additional burdens on employees seeking FMLA leave.
6th Circuit Faults “No-Fault” Attendance Policy with Broad FMLA Benefits Interpretation
Employers must carefully navigate Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA) pitfalls when administering attendance policies.
Washington Weighs in on Obesity Discrimination
The state of Washington has weighed in on the debate as to whether obesity is a disability under disability discrimination laws.
Employer’s Good Deed Goes Unpunished — Reliable Attendance Is Essential Function Despite Prior Accommodation of Employee’s Absences
In an 8th Circuit case, the court affirmed that regular, reliable attendance is an essential function of a job.
California Extends Paid Family Leave from Six to Eight Weeks
Beginning on Jul. 1, 2020, California will extend the maximum duration of Paid Family Leave (PFL) benefits from six weeks to eight weeks.
Paid Sick Leave Laws Updates in Texas
In Texas, there continues to be controversy and debate around paid sick leave laws in San Antonio, Dallas, and Austin.
Washington Pushes Back First Reporting Deadline for Paid Family and Medical Leave Law
By Aug. 31, 2019, all Washington employers must file reports about their employees, including their wages and associated hours worked during the first two quarters of 2019.
Paid Sick Days Back on Track in Pittsburgh
The Pennsylvania Supreme Court upheld the Pittsburgh Paid Sick Days Act (PSDA) in a decision today, overturning two lower court decisions that found the Act was invalid as an impermissible business regulation.
Oregon Joins Growing Number of States Requiring Paid Family and Medical Leave
The Oregon Senate voted to pass HB 2005 — which will provide paid family and medical leave to eligible employees beginning Jan. 1, 2023.
Maine Enacts Law Extending Protections to Pregnant and Nursing Employees
On Jun. 27, 2019, Maine Governor Janet Mills signed into law L.D. 666, which extends existing protections for pregnant and nursing employees in Maine.
Paid Sick Leave Quarterly: 2nd Quarter 2019
The vast and complex patchwork of PSL laws expanded in the 2nd quarter of 2019. The most notable development was the addition of two laws with PSL architecture but which allow paid leave to be used for any reason, not merely for sick leave.
Intermittent Leave Limits in FMLA Medical Certification Trumps the ADA Duty to Accommodate
A Minnesota federal court decision upheld an employer’s termination for excessive absenteeism of an employee with an intermittent leave certification.
Oregon Enacts Living Donor Leave Law
Earlier this month, Oregon Governor Kate Brown signed Senate Bill 796 into law, providing protected leave under the Oregon Family Leave Act (OFLA) for employees who miss work in connection with donating a body part, organ, or tissue.
Paid Sick Leave on Track in Dallas and San Antonio
By Aug. 1, 2019, most employers with employees working at least 80 hours a year in Dallas or San Antonio should be prepared to comply with paid sick leave ordinances.
New Maine Law Requires Time Off From Work for Appointments at VA Medical Facilities
For the second time this month, Maine is adjusting its leave laws. Employers in Maine will soon be required to provide veterans with time away from work to attend scheduled appointments at Department of Veterans Affairs medical facilities.