A mammography tech with epilepsy is not a qualified individual with a disability under the ADA because she cannot perform the essential functions of her job "during the indefinite periods in which she was incapacitated," according to the Eighth Circuit Court of Appeals. Olsen v. Capital Region Medical Center (8th Cir. May 7, 2013). We
Jackson Lewis P.C.
Flexible Work Schedule Not a Reasonable Accommodation under ADA When Punctual, Regular Attendance is an Essential Function
A flexible work schedule is not a reasonable accommodation if it will not allow the employee to perform the essential functions of her job, which can include regular and punctual attendance, according to the Tenth Circuit. Murphy v Samson Resources Co. (10th Cir. May 8, 2013). The court affirmed summary judgment in favor of the…
FMLA Leave: Pre-Post Protected; Pre-Pre Not
Are employees who request FMLA leave before they are eligible for the leave entitled to the protections of the FMLA? It depends on whether the employee requesting leave will be eligible at the time of the leave.
The Eleventh Circuit Court of Appeals has held that the FMLA protects a pre-eligibility request for post-eligibility leave.
EEOC to Explore Treatment of Wellness Programs Under Federal Law
The Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) is holding a public meeting this Wednesday, May 8, 2013, to discuss how wellness programs should be treated under various federal laws such as the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), the Genetic Information Nondiscrimination Act (GINA) and other statutes enforced by the EEOC.
The EEOC will hear from at…
Housing Complex Designed For, Occupied By, Those With Hearing Impairments Discriminates Against Those Without Hearing Impairments
A federally subsidized housing complex designed by a deaf architect, with such features as video phones, lights that flash when the phone or doorbell rings, and wiring that sends announcements to residents’ hearing aids, is being accused by the federal government of discrimination against those who are not deaf, according to a New York Times…
Lawful Use of Medical Marijuana Not a “Lawful Activity” in Colorado
A Colorado law prohibits employers from terminating an employee for “engaging in any lawful activity of the premises of the employer during nonworking hours…” Another Colorado law allows individuals to obtain a license to use medical marijuana.
The Colorado Court of Appeals has held that licensed medical marijuana use is not a “lawful activity” under…
There Goes the Bride….Fired for FMLA Dishonesty
On the day of her evening wedding, plaintiff called in and asked for a vacation day. When her request was denied, she said she would take an FMLA day instead. Since plaintiff had previously been approved for intermittent leave for migraine headaches, the employer approved her request.
A few weeks later, the plaintiff gave the…
A Mega Leave-and-Attendance Patchwork on its Way!
If you look out toward the leave-and-attendance legislation horizon, and you might have to squint a bit but not much, you can see yet another patchwork beginning to take shape. This one is on paid sick days. Multi-state employers need to watch this carefully since it is certainly heading for full-fledged “patchwork” status which, when …
Paid Sick Leave Laws: Truth in Consequences?
Miles’ Law, named for Rufus Miles, a chief in the U.S. Bureau of the Budget in the 1940’s, states that “where you stand depends on where you sit.” That law certainly applies to paid sick leave legislation.
Advocates tout that everyone will benefit, including businesses. For example, Portland, Oregon recently enacted an ordinance requiring sick time…
Still Waiting for ADA “Voluntary” Wellness Plan Guidance from EEOC; But Does it Really Matter?
The EEOC passed yet again on the opportunity to provide guidance on the meaning of “voluntary” under the ADA as it applies to wellness plans. Guidance would be helpful because the ADA, the EEOC regulations, and the EEOC’s Interpretive and Enforcement Guidance permit employers to conduct voluntary medical examinations, including voluntary medical histories, as part of…