APWU News

FMLA Restoration Act Introduced

A bill intended to reverse changes to the Family and Medical Leave Act regulations that were implemented just before President Obama took office has been introduced in the U.S. House.

The FMLA Restoration Act, introduced on April 29 by Rep. Carol Shea-Porter (D-NH), would “nullify certain regulations promulgated under the Family and Medical Leave Act of 1993, and restore prior regulations.”

The purpose of the bill (H.R. 2161) is to roll back the harmful changes made by President Bush four days before he left the White House: FMLA regulations that went into effect on Jan. 16 have created problems in the field, such as employer representatives contacting workers’ doctors without the workers’ consent, and rejecting previously accepted FMLA certifications. Workers with long-accepted “conditions” have been challenged and have been forced to visit their doctors repeatedly.

“The original intent of this important law has been compromised,” said Myke Reid, APWU Legislative & Political Department director. “The Bush Administration regulations make attempts to use leave under the provisions of the law a constant battle.

“The bill offered by Rep. Shea-Porter is intended to reverse the most restrictive and burdensome of the changes imposed by the Bush administration. We urge APWU members to contact their representatives to ensure its swift passage.”