Page 1 - SHRM Emerald Coast Chapter Newsletter

Final Regulations Published on FMLA/UI Issues

On June 12, 2000 in his weekly radio address, President Clinton implied that the final regulation to provide partial paid family and medical leave funded by states’ unemployment insurance programs will be published in the near future. He was right—the final regulations were published the next day!

Final regulations that would authorize states to use unemployment insurance (UI) to provide up to 12 weeks paid leave for parents of newborn and adopted children were published in the July 13, 2000 Federal Register. In May of 1999, the President directed the Department of Labor to draft the regulations, which are now final and will take effect in 60 days. See the final regulations and states with pending legislation at http://www.shrm.org/hrnews/item1.html

Since the paid leave proposal first came to light, business groups—including the Society for Human Resource Management—have spoken out in opposition of using unemployment insurance funds for parental leave.

Now, public policy group of human resource executives, stand poised to file suit in the U.S. District Court of the District of Columbia to overturn the regulations as soon as they are published. It would mark the first time that SHRM has participated in such a lawsuit.

“We are concerned about the precedent the department is setting in circumventing the legislative process for such an important change in longstanding employment policy”, said SHRM Chair Michael J. Lotito, SPHR. “It is Congress’ role to make a fundamental change like this”.

If you would like to contact your Congressman, a form letter is available on the SHRM website at http:www.shrm.org. We encourage you to contact your state legislature!

Submitted by Tara Henley, PHR
Legislative Chair, SHRM/ECC

Recruiting difficulties getting you down?
Attend the Panhandle Job Fair!
September 28, 2000
10:00am—2:00pm
OWCC—Niceville Campus

This event is open to any and all companies that would like to attend. For more information, contact Charlie Ray at 884-6281