Republicans Mount Attack on FMLA
This week President Bahr alerted CWA Executive Board members and Local Presidents of a bill introduced by Republican Senator Judd Gregg that would amend the Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA). The amendment would change the definition of a "serious health condition." The proposed change would eliminate the inclusion of FMLA coverage for short-term illness, impairment, or conditions for which treatment and recovery are very brief.
Pres. Bahr characterized Sen. Judd's following statement as a clear oversimplification of the situation. Judd stated, "Employers aren't sure if situations like pinkeye, in-grown toenails, or even the common cold would be considered serious health conditions." The current regulation does not specifically define "serious health condition." (See The Family and Medical Leave Act - What You Need to Know - produced by the CWA Education and Legal Departments.)
In addition to this change, the proposed amendment would require leave be taken in minimum of four-hour blocks. If Judd's bill is successful, the responsibility for requesting FMLA would shift from the employer to the employee. Further, it would allow employers to require that employees choose between paid leave programs such as sick leave or disability programs and unpaid leave provided under the FMLA.
I am not sure what happened the last time Rep. Judd tried to take a child to a day care center with pink-eye, but I remember what happens. And it is serious. Please help spread the word about this latest move on the part of Republicans to implement more compassionate conservatism.
Letters and contacts to Senators opposing Judd's Bill - S. 489 are encouraged. Let them know how the FMLA has allowed you the flexibility to care for yourself and your family members without the fear of losing your job.
Janine Brown, CWA Representative, Women's Activities
