Legal Question in Medical Leave in California

The school district for which I work informs me that if I use FMLA to care for my child, I will not be paid using any sick leave or vacation time. I must decide to use FMLA and not be paid or be absent from work to care for my child and then use my sick time or vacation time. Is this correct? I thought they were two separate issues.


Asked on 10/07/09, 5:22 pm

1 Answer from Attorneys

Terry A. Nelson Nelson & Lawless

If and when you are denied legally protected leave, or are illegally discriminated or retaliated against, then you can consider legal claims.

If your CA employer has at least 50 employees, and you are employed for at least 12 months, have at least 1,250 hours worked in the 12 months prior to the leave, then you would be eligible for 12 weeks of unpaid FMLA/CFRA medical leave when you are unable to work [or must care for an immediate family member] because of a �serious health condition�, continuation of group health benefits, restoration to the same or an equivalent job upon return to work, with accrued benefits. The leave may be taken on reasonable intermittent basis if that need is properly documented by your medical provider.

If you are out longer than those guarantees, they can fire you.

Overriding those stated protections, just because you are on leave does not mean you can�t be terminated. You have no special exemption against lay offs due to business reasons. A company in downsizing can lay off a FMLA leave person, as long as they can show they aren�t targeting �because of the leave�. They are simply risking claims if they do.

If your company has a policy requiring they hold your job for you for a specific period of time while on disability, that is enforceable.

Upon termination from employment, you are entitled to COBRA conversion of your medical benefits [if any], allowing you to pay for and retain your insurance coverage.

In your case, your first remedy is to file a union grievance, and only if they fail to correct the situation for you, then you can consider taking private action.

Now, if they violated those rules, contact me for the legal help you'll need. I'll be happy to do so. I've been doing these cases for over 20 years.

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Answered on 10/07/09, 6:16 pm


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