You probably haven’t gotten over the excitement of the January 28th Amendments to the Family and Medical Leave Act which provide two new forms of leave relating to military service. Well get ready for more thrill and chills.
On February 11th, the Department of Labor released its “much anticipated” revised FMLA regulations. In addition to attempting to “clarify” and seek comment on the new military leave, the Department has worked on other new Family and Medical Leave regulations. Some of the areas addressed include: notice requirements, counting prior service in determining eligibility for leave, clarifying medical certifications, discussion of serious and chronic conditions, retroactively designating leave, light duty, perfect attendance awards, and increasing employee awareness of FMLA rights. The public now has 60 days (until 4/11/2008) to comment on the changes before they are modified and/or finalized.
The revisions, as proposed, will significantly change administration of the FMLA. More information regarding the FMLA Military Leave Amendments, the Proposed Regulations, FAQs, and a Sample Notice are available at the Department of Labor’s website at www.dol.gov/esa/whd
If you are lucky enough not to have to worry about the FMLA, you can breathe a large sigh of relief. If you are an FMLA covered employer, then you’ve got some work to do.