As a Department of Labor employee responsible for enforcing the Family and Medical Leave Act, here are three ways I can ensure that this law is carried out properly by businesses across the country:
Conduct workplace investigations: One way to ensure that businesses comply with the Family and Medical Leave Act is by conducting on-site investigations. During these investigations, we can examine employee records and ensure that employers are providing employees with the required leave time, maintaining the employee’s benefits, and not retaliating against workers who request leave time.
Provide education and training: It is important to educate businesses on the requirements of the Family and Medical Leave Act. Providing educational materials, training sessions, and other resources can help businesses understand the law's requirements, including which employees are eligible for leave, how much leave they can take, and the types of events that qualify for leave.
Take legal action: If a business is found to be violating the Family and Medical Leave Act, we can take legal action. This can include filing lawsuits, seeking court orders to force compliance, and negotiating settlements. Legal action sends a clear message to businesses that they must comply with the law, and it serves as a deterrent to other businesses considering violating the law.