FMLA for flight crews. The U.S. Senate recently approved legislation (S.1422) that would allow airline pilots and flight attendants to take leave under the Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA). Sen. Patty Murray (D-Wash) noted, “This bill reflects the intent of the FMLA’s original sponsors to provide an alternative way to include flight crews that addresses the airline industry’s unique timekeeping methods.”
Paid sick leave. Sen. Chris Dodd (D-Conn.) and Rep. Rosa DeLauro (D-Conn.) have introduced emergency legislation that would provide seven paid sick days per year to employees who are infected by H1N1 or experience “flu-like symptoms.” The bill also would allow employees to take leave to care for a sick child, or to care for a child whose school or day care facility has been closed due to the spread of contagious illnesses, including H1N1.
Note: This article was published in the November/December 2009 issue of The Employment Law Authority.