A coalition of business groups wants to change the way the Department of Labor interprets the law, claiming the legislation is vulnerable to abuse. “Our employers don’t have any problem with employees using the leave for something like chemotherapy treatment or a pregnancy, but you can get it for a cold or migraine headaches,” says Jason Straczewski, director of human-resources policy at the National Association of Manufacturers. “And that causes enormous scheduling and productivity problems.”
Last month the Department of Labor asked for public comments in what it says is part of a routine review of the law. But Debra L. Ness, president of the National Partnership for Women & Families, which drafted the act, is concerned the request is a prelude to changes that would restrict access for some workers. “There’s a possibility that the administration will succumb to pressure from the traditional lobbies that are against family-friendly policies. We’re prepared to defend the FMLA even though we hope we don’t have to.” Meanwhile, the DOL says it is simply examining the nearly 16,000 comments submitted and isn’t yet proposing new guidelines.
