Are you an employer located in New York? Or might you employ even one worker in New York? If so, you need to read this. Last year, New York State passed a Paid Family Leave (PFL) law as a part of its existing state disability law, requiring employers with one or more employees to obtain insurance that … Continue Reading
Over the past several years, as employee leave of absence legislation has become increasingly complex, employers have asked us to create a product that provides timely analysis of all the changes in state and local leave of absence laws. Clearly, there is a need to stay up to date on these changes, since they significantly impact the … Continue Reading
Is Congress poised to amend the Family and Medical Leave Act again? Late last month, legislation was introduced in the U.S. House of Representatives that would allow employees who work part-time or for small employers up to two weeks of leave in connection with a family member’s military deployment, thereby expanding the qualifying exigency provisions … Continue Reading
Illinois currently has no equivalent of the federal Family and Medical Leave Act. Soon, it may. And unlike the FMLA, the proposed Illinois leave law would allow civil union partners the same leave entitlements currently enjoyed by married couples. Notably, because of the conflicting parameters of state and federal law, the proposed Illinois Family and … Continue Reading
I love my Golden Retriever, Abby. I really do. But this development below is a bit too much, especially for this management-side attorney. Is it possible that employees in Florida soon may be eligible to take a leave of absence when their pets are abused or subjected to the threat of abuse? As Eric Meyer at the … Continue Reading
Earlier this month, Sen. Jon Tester (D-Mont.) introduced the Parental Bereavement Act (S. 1358), which would expand the Family and Medical Leave Act to provide job-protected leave due to the death of an employee’s son or daughter. In a press release, Sen. Tester said he introduced the bill because the “last thing [parents] should be worrying about is whether they’ll lose their … Continue Reading
As state governments across the country scramble to plug large holes in their own budgets, they are digging deeper into employers’ pockets. Earlier this week, the Connecticut General Assembly passed legislation that will require employers within the service sector (and with more than 50 employees) to provide paid sick leave to their employees, making the … Continue Reading
Last week, my colleagues, Bill Pokorny and Josh Meeuwse, and I conducted a complimentary Webinar for our clients and friends of the firm regarding the ADA Amendments Act and its final regulations, which take effect May 24, 2011. You now can access the archived version of the Webinar and the presentation materials here. The Webinar provides an … Continue Reading
The folks at the California Public Agency Labor and Employment blog yesterday raised an issue that has popped up from time to time with our own clients: When it comes to “baby bonding” leave, does the Family and Medical Leave Act provide more generous benefits for unmarried parents than it does for married parents? In … Continue Reading
In a ceremony to be held later today at the Chicago Cultural Center, Illinois Governor Pat Quinn will sign a law allowing same and opposite-sex couples to enter into civil unions. Under the law, such couples are “entitled to the same legal obligations, responsibilities, protections and benefits as are afforded or recognized by the law … Continue Reading
In the upcoming weeks, the halls of Congress will welcome a number of new faces and bid farewell to many other personalities. One of those personalities riding into the sunset is the longtime Senator Christopher Dodd of Connecticut. Putting aside for now whether you love him or hate him, Senator Dodd leaves at least one … Continue Reading
The Illinois Family Military Leave Act allows eligible employees who are the spouse or parent of a person called to military service to take unpaid leave during the family member’s military service. Under the law, employees who work for an employer with more than 50 employees may take up to 30 days of leave. Employees … Continue Reading
Is the fifth time the charm? On July 30, 2010, U.S. Senator Richard Durbin introduced the Family and Medical Leave Inclusion Act, which would broaden the Family and Medical Leave Act to permit leave to care for a same-sex spouse, domestic partner, parent-in-law, adult child, sibling, or grandparent who has a serious health condition. S.B. 3680 (pdf) is … Continue Reading
Gay and lesbian employees in the Illinois Treasurer’s office who are in a committed relationship will enjoy the same FMLA benefits as married employees under an executive order signed by state treasurer (and U.S. Senate candidate) Alexi Giannoulias Sunday. As a result, these employees will have the same family and medical leave benefits to care for their … Continue Reading
Last fall, Congress passed and the President signed several amendments to the Family and Medical Leave Act, including an expansion of military leave (2010 Defense Department Authorization Bill) and a relaxation of the hours requirement for airline employees (Airline Flight Crew Technical Corrections Act). Congress’ willingness to amend portions of the FMLA in 2009 may … Continue Reading
