As is seemingly customary at this point, New York employers cannot ease into the New Year and must instead revisit their employee handbooks due to a recent amendment to the New York Labor Law that takes effect February 19, 2023. The Lawful Absence Law amends Section 215 of the Labor Law to bar employers from disciplining employees who take legally protected time off from work.
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New York Employers May Not Penalize Employees for Lawful Absences Posted on: January 04, 2023 In: Labor & Employment
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Illinois to Expand Bereavement Leave in 2023 Posted on: July 08, 2022 In: Labor & Employment
On June 9, 2022, Governor Pritzker signed the Family Bereavement Leave Act (formerly titled the Child Bereavement Leave Act) into law. The statute will take effect on January 1, 2023, and its applicability mirrors that of the federal Family Medical Leave Act (FMLA), applying to employers (including public employers) with at least 50 employees and employees who have worked for such employers for at least 12 months and at least 1,250 hours in the preceding 12-month period.
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When Absence Makes the Boss Grow Madder: What to Do With Employees Whose Medical Leave Never Seems to End Posted on: April 22, 2021 In: Labor & Employment
One of the most vexing challenges employers face is how to handle employees who appear to be on an endless medical leave. Is an employer required to continue accommodating such a person, or does there come a point when enough is enough and the employer can lawfully terminate his or her employment? Unfortunately, the answer is not clear-cut. However, if they consider the following points, employers may be able to reduce the likelihood of a lawsuit.
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Paid Family Leave Is Coming to Colorado - It May Not Be Long Before It Comes to Your State Posted on: March 09, 2021 In: Labor & Employment
On November 3, 2020, Colorado passed the Paid Family and Medical Leave Insurance Act. The Act will bring about a series of changes that will roll out year to year. The first occurs on January 1, 2023, when each employer must remit a payroll tax to the fund to provide for the benefits. Benefits will become available to employees beginning January 1, 2024. The Act provides Colorado employees with some coverage not seen in the similar federal program known as the Family Medical Leave Act.
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What to Expect When Your Employee Is Expecting: A Refresher on California’s Pregnancy-Related Leave Laws Posted on: January 26, 2021 In: Labor & Employment
Given that California is known as one of the most employee-friendly states, it follows that California’s pregnancy and parental leave laws are among the most generous in the nation. These laws greatly benefit new and expecting parents; however, their varying components can lead to substantial confusion for employers. While every situation is different and requires a case-by-case analysis, this post's guidance will help navigate the nuances of pregnancy-related leave laws applicable in California.
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California Family Rights Act’s Expanded Applicability & Coverage: What Employers Need to Know Posted on: January 19, 2021 In: Labor & Employment
On January 1, 2021, California Senate Bill 1383 (SB 1383), signed into law by Governor Gavin Newsom on September 17, 2020, became effective, significantly expanding the California Family Rights Act’s (CFRA) applicability and coverage. The CFRA provides qualified employees with 12 weeks of unpaid leave and job protection for qualified leave events, such as time to bond with a new child, caring for qualified family members who are experiencing a serious health condition.
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How Employers Can Best Accommodate Working Parents During COVID-19 & Avoid Discrimination Claims Posted on: July 02, 2020 In: COVID-19 Response
COVID-19 has resulted in no schools, no child care, and no after school activities, leaving no option for many working parents but to stay home and care for their kids while working full-time jobs. Working parents are struggling to balance childcare responsibilities and job responsibilities during these tough times. Additionally, employers are struggling to stay in business, leading to record lay-offs and unemployment. The result? Legal experts predict a significant increase in litigation.
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A Quick Checklist for Navigating Requests for Paternity Leave in California Posted on: June 11, 2020 In: Labor & Employment
Employers commonly process requests from expecting mothers for maternity leave. However, when it comes to welcoming a new baby, it’s all hands on deck. As such, it is important for companies to be knowledgeable about the different types of leave that may apply to expecting fathers.
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Back-to-School Supplies: IEP Meetings Covered under FMLA Posted on: August 29, 2019 In: Labor & Employment
Back-to-school season has officially arrived, and with it has come some new school supplies for parents: protection under the Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA) to attend a child’s Individualized Education Program (IEP) meeting. Earlier this month, the U.S. Department of Labor (DOL) released an opinion letter confirming that parents are entitled to take intermittent FMLA leave to attend school meetings to discuss their child’s IEP.
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