The Family and Medical Leave Act, effective August 5, 1993, requires an employer to maintain coverage under any group health plan for an employee on FMLA leave under the same conditions coverage would have been provided if the employee had continued working. Coverage provided under the FMLA is not COBRA coverage, and FMLA leave is not a qualifying event under COBRA.

A. No. However, you must provide enough information about the reason for your absence so your supervisor realizes that your time off may qualify as FMLA leave. The Leave Request Form includes FMLA qualifying reasons and definitions.

Absence of four days or more plus medical treatment two or more times (also includes one treatment and continuing medical supervision)

A. You accrue seniority while you are on paid FMLA leave. You do not accrue any seniority while on unpaid FMLA leave.

A. If the need for your leave is foreseeable, you must provide advance written notice to your supervisor using the Leave Request Form available in the Office of Human Resources (HR) or at their website: http://hr.cocc.edu under forms. Also, please contact Human Resources immediately at 383-7216 for an appointment to discuss your rights and responsibilities.

Eligible employees are entitled to up to 12 weeks of leave during a 12-month period for certain family and medical reasons.

A staff member who has met the eligibility requirements for FMLA can take up to 12 weeks of unpaid leave within a 12-month rolling calendar from the date the FMLA leave begins.

Under various laws, most Americans (and people in many other countries) are protected from discrimination in their work or from being fired based on medical conditions or illness. If you feel that you have been discriminated against because of your vitiligo, then you should consult an attorney specializing in labor and employment law. Relationship issues are without question one of the most important social problems that come up with vitiligo.

Answer: If you are an "eligible" employee, you are entitled to 12 weeks of leave for certain family and medical reasons during a 12-month period. See C.F.R. 825.200 Answer: It can. FMLA leave and workers compensation leave can run together, provided the reason for the absence is due to a qualifying serious illness or injury and the employer properly notifies the employee in writing that the leave will be counted as FMLA leave. See C.F.R. 825.207(2) Answer: Yes.

Generally speaking, FMLA cannot be denied if the employee has a medically certified condition, or is caring for a covered individual who has a medically certified condition. Contact the Union Office if you have specific issues or questions.

A. You will receive pay only if you have paid leave (sick, vacation)* available to use. In fact, it is College policy that you must use your leave accruals before you go on leave without pay during your FMLA leave. In order of priority this would include sick leave and vacation. You are not required to use compensatory leave before going on leave without pay.

No, under the FMLA, the term "serious health conditions" is defined to include any periods of incapacity or treatment due to pregnancy, including prenatal care. Thus, the Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA) leave would be included within the employer's pregnancy leave. No. You are not entitled to compensation while you are off on Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA) leave.

The Adult Probation Department (CSCD) offers a three day Pre-Employment Program (PEP). This program helps prepare you to find a job. If you are unemployed and are able to work, you will be referred to this class. There is no cost for this class.

A. No. It runs concurrently. FMLA leave does not start after paid leave is used up. The FMLA designation is based on the reason you are taking the leave, not whether you are on paid leave or unpaid leave. The law gives you protection regardless of pay status. FMLA actually protects your job, unlike sick leave, because you cannot be disciplined for missing time for an FMLA reason. If you have questions about sick leave, refer to your Collective Bargaining Agreement or handbook.