Anyone ever need to use FMLA? Better use it now...

[Deja Q]

http://seattlepi.nwsource.com/business/230093_familyleave27.html

Bush urged to soften family leave act
U.S. business groups say the law harms scheduling, work flow

By KIM CHIPMAN
BLOOMBERG NEWS

U.S. business groups, including the Chamber of Commerce and National Association of Manufacturers, are pressing President Bush to scale back the Family and Medical Leave Act, the law guaranteeing workers time off to deal with illness or care for a newborn or sick family member.

The Washington-based groups, which are representing companies such as Hallmark Cards Inc. and American Axle & Manufacturing Holdings Inc., argue that the law's requirements often result in chaotic schedules that hinder work flow and cover up chronic lateness and absenteeism. Company and trade-group representatives met with lawmakers in Washington last week to press for changes.

Unbelieveable. It's no worse than the famous repuke telling his wife he's going to divorce her while she's in hospital... yes, worse... you get ill then you can lose your job.

Disgusting.

[shoelace414]

1. It's UNPAID time off.

what the hell is their problem?!

[Bunny]

3. Yep, and you can only get twelve weeks a year.

I don't know ANYONE who can afford to take twelve weeks unpaid leave every year, for no good reason.

[jillan]

2. I work in the corporate world, and this does not surprise me at all.

Everything for the corporations, nothing for the people.

I have 300+ hrs of sick time accrued, and when my mom was sick and dying, they wouldn't let me use it, because FMLA only applies to spouse, self, or child. That was 2 years ago. Now they want to make it worse?!

[Arbustosux]

5. You have a good lawsuit

I am a Director of HR and you got screwed! Absent other eligibility information such as whether you are a high wage earner, you were given poor advice.

Here is the eligibility criterea I cut and pasted from the DOL website:

for the birth and care of the newborn child of the employee;
for placement with the employee of a son or daughter for adoption or foster care;
to care for an immediate family member (spouse, child, or parent) with a serious health condition; or
to take medical leave when the employee is unable to work because of a serious health condition.

As you can clearly see, PARENT is covered. Since you say your mother was dying, that would probably qualify as a "serious medical condition". Furthermore, most companies allow you to use your paid time off in conjunction with your FMLA leave.

I would see a lawyer if you truely feel wronged. I hope this helped!

Arbustosux

[crispini]

9. that is bullshit.

FMLA applies to parent. I will be using it to care for my mother during her upcoming surgery.

[wli]

4. the harm Bushler is causing is far beyond irreparable n/t

[alarimer]

6. My agency will fire people if the get sick

and use up all their available leave (including FMLA). Such compassion. But hey, we are all "at will"; they can fire you for any acceptable reason.

[never_get_over_it]

7. Well lets see I read somewhre that the Freak in Chief

has taken off 360 days since he "took" and I mean "took" office - that averages to 80 days a year which is only 4 days short of 12 weeks - and I bet he got paid - so if its good enough for the freak in chief why shouldn't it be good enough for someone with a family emergency.

Is there anything this administration won't screw up?!

[SmokingJacket]

8. Hallmark is one of them??

"Get well soon... I MEAN NOW!!!! I HAVE TO GET BACK TO WORK!"