Collective Bargaining & the Family and Medical Leave Act
The Famili and Medical Leave Act (FMLA), permits qualified employees
to take prolonged, unpaid leave for family- and health related reasons
without fear of losing their jobs. However, the FMLA doesn’t reduce the
employment benefits that have been bargained for by union members in a
collective bargaining agreement. The FMLA sets a minimum, and unions
may still bargain for benefits in excess of those required by the law.
Union members also benefit from the FMLA because collective
bargaining agreements that do not meet FMLA standards can be voided.
Union members can seek redress under both the FMLA and the
collective bargaining process.