Tag: Leave Management

FMLA Certifications: When Can You Call the Doctor?

FMLA certification can be tricky to administer. On one hand, it’s a fairly straightforward way to ensure that the employee is truly eligible to take FMLA leave. On the other hand, what are you to do when the employee repeatedly forgets to give you the certification form from his doctor, or fails to return it […]

FWA Policy Makers Mostly Ignorant of Business Realities

Fortney is a co-founder of law firm Fortney & Scott, LLC in Washington, DC, and is editor of the Federal Employment Law Insider. He made his remarks about FWAs at SHRM’s Employment Law and Legislative Conference, held recently in the nation’s capitol. Well-Meaning, But Dangerous As an example of the problems with FWAs, says Fortney, […]

Bonuses and Gift Cards—Probably Taxable

Tax Consequences of Bonuses Bonuses paid in consideration for services rendered are almost always taxable wages subject to income tax withholding, FICA, and FUTA. These include production, incentive, and nondeferred profit sharing bonuses. The Internal Revenue Service has also ruled that bonuses paid to employees for signing or ratifying an employment contract are considered wages […]

Free Report Friday—CFRA and FMLA Notice Requirements: California Labor Laws

Getting the notice requirements right is one of the trickiest aspects of CFRA compliance. CER’s free White Paper, Notice Requirements for CFRA and FMLA: California Labor Laws, explains what you need to know, courtesy of Marjorie Fochtman, Esq., and Deborah Schwartz, Esq., attorneys at the San Francisco office of Nixon Peabody, LLP. The White Paper […]

States Retain Sovereign Immunity from Suit Under FMLA Self-Care Provisions

In a 5-4 opinion delivered Tuesday, the U.S. Supreme Court held that state employers are immune from suit for damages under the self-care provisions of the Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA). In the case, Daniel Coleman sued his employer, the Court of Appeals of the State of Maryland, for $1.1 million in damages when […]

How to Implement a Workplace Breastfeeding Policy

The letter of the law may only require employers to extend breaks and access to a lactation room to eligible employees on an as needed basis, but many companies are taking a proactive approach and looking to implement policies that will boost employee retention. According to Eileen Shue, vice president of corporate resources for the […]

March 15: Effective Date of ADA Standards for Accessible Design

The 2010 ADA Standards for Accessible Design are in effect officially as of March 15. These standards were adopted as part of the revised regulations for Title II and Title III of the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 (ADA) and will make buildings and facilities accessible to more than 54 million Americans with disabilities. […]

At EEOC’s Request, 7th Circuit May Reconsider ‘Reassignment’ Case

A federal appellate court may reconsider its views on “reassignment” as a reasonable accommodation under the Americans With Disabilities Act, at the request of the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission. The EEOC takes the position that the ADA requires employers to reassign employees, whose disability prevents them from performing their current job, to a vacant position […]

Work from Home Is Not FMLA Leave

Yesterday’s Advisor offered guidance for several tricky FMLA situations; today, again turning to the “FMLA Bible” for help, we cover FMLA and home work, FMLA and overtime, and state FMLA laws. Work at Home During FMLA Leave Frequently, an employee who is physically unable to come to work will perform some work for the employer […]

FMLA Substitution Rules: Not as Simple as They Seem

FMLA basics are confusing enough. And then each aspect—substitution, bonuses, holidays, etc.—seems to have its own tricky twist. Let’s let the “FMLA Bible” sort it out. Substitution Required? Notice Required Employees may choose to substitute accrued paid leave for FMLA, or the company can require it. (Many do.) However, it’s not quite as simple as […]