Outgoing administration's FMLA changes criticized by worker advocates

Starting mid-January, it will become harder for workers to use their federal family leave benefits, according to an article in today's USA Today.

Several of the changes are being met with blistering criticism from some employee groups who say workers will have less access to the 12 weeks of job-protected leave for the birth or adoption of a child, care of a close family member with serious medical problems, or time off for employee health conditions.

"We're troubled by any change that would make it more difficult for people to take leave when they need it. That's our primary concern," says Jocelyn Frye, with the National Partnership for Women & Families.

Advocates for working families don't like the new rules, while the U.S. Chamber of Commerce support the changes delivered by the outgoing Bush Administration. In sharp contrast, the president-elect campaigned on expansion of the Family and Medical Leave Act.

It'll be interesting to see what happens. In the meantime, check out the OCSEA Education Factsheet on FMLA (PDF). The new rules impact the following issues:

• Leave for military
• Doctor visits
• Paid leave
• Leave requests
• Medical certification