I get so angry everytime I read a story like this. Better information needs to be given to employers and better training for human resource employees as well as managers and supervisors so they don't assume everyone is abusing intermittant leave. For them to supposedly "fix the problem", the policies they put into place can make family life so difficult for employees who don't abuse the system but truely do need intermittant leave. My employer had policies like this. When I was sick and needed help and possibly time with my family, all I worried about was making up for not being at work and also I never had any vacation time left because all my leave was spent on being sick. You will see what I mean, just a little afternoon reading! Let me know what you think! The web site is: http://hrdailyadvisor.blr.com/archive/2009/11/02/Leave_Policy_Compliance_FMLA_Intermittent.aspx 'I've Learned How to Manage Intermittent Leave Abuse' November 2, 2009.
One piece of the information that bothered me the most is about how the employees who have to make up the work of the person taking intermittant leave like the human resource policy the most. In my career field, and I know it is not the same for everyone, but there were per diem employees that made a good amount of money working when I could not. They did not mind at all when they worked. One of them now works full time because of the current economy and makes less money now. She would rather go back to being per diem. She has had to take a second job! Very frustrating!!


It is very upsetting to read about employers assuming abuse. It's not like they have to pay people for FMLA time! Yes, they may have to pay for someone to step in and do the work, but in the meantime they are not paying the FMLA employee. There could well be people abusing it, but it's hard to read this kind of article that assumes FMLA exists only to be abused. I am going to leave a comment over there too.
Megan,
I like to hear that you are going to leave a comment over there also. I get so emotional still!!! Good Luck!
Lisa Wagner
I tried to leave a comment, followed all their directions, but it wouldn't show up. Maybe I have to subscribe to their site,which I don't really want to do.