Overview

Join us for an in-depth webinar exploring the U.S. Department of Labor's (DOL) recent Opinion Letter on the Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA) substitution rule, particularly concerning employees receiving state or local paid family and medical leave (PFML) benefits.

• Understanding the FMLA Substitution Rule: Gain a comprehensive understanding of how the FMLA substitution rule permits employees to use accrued paid leave during unpaid FMLA leave, and how the recent DOL Opinion Letter impacts this provision
• Interaction Between FMLA and PFML Benefits: Delve into the complexities of how state or local PFML benefits intersect with FMLA leave, including the DOL's clarification that the FMLA substitution provision does not apply when employees are receiving compensation from state or local PFML programs
• Employer and Employee Rights and Responsibilities: Understand the obligations of employers to designate leave as FMLA when applicable, and the conditions under which employers and employees may agree to supplement state or local PFML benefits with employer-provided paid leave

Areas Covered in the Session

• Understanding the FMLA Substitution Rule:
  
  • Learn how the FMLA substitution rule allows employees to use accrued paid leave during unpaid FMLA leave
    
  • Recognize the specific conditions under which the rule applies or does not apply, particularly in the context of receiving state or local paid family and medical leave (PFML) benefits
• Clarification on PFML Benefits Interaction:
  • Understand the DOL’s clarification that the FMLA substitution rule is inapplicable when employees are already receiving compensation through state or local PFML programs
  • Gain insight into how this distinction influences the coordination of benefits at both the state and federal levels
• Employer Responsibilities:
  • Explore the employer’s obligation to designate leave as FMLA-protected when an employee’s leave 
    qualifies under the Act, even if state or local PFML benefits are involved
  • Understand the nuances of leave designation and the importance of accurate record-keeping to ensure compliance
    
• Supplementing PFML Benefits:
  • Discover when employers and employees may mutually agree to use accrued paid leave to supplement 
    State or local PFML benefits, enhancing employee support during leave periods
  • Learn the limitations and permissions surrounding such arrangements
• Compliance Best Practices
  • Develop strategies to align company policies with federal and state leave requirements, minimizing the 
    risk of legal complications
  • Gain actionable insights on balancing employee needs and organizational operations while adhering to 
    the latest legal guidance
• Impact on Leave Administration:
  • Understand how the DOL’s Opinion Letter impacts current leave administration practices and what 
    adjustments might be needed to comply with the clarified rules
  • Explore real-world scenarios to illustrate how these rules apply in different workplace contexts
    
• Forward-Looking Considerations:
  • Anticipate how evolving interpretations of the FMLA may continue to shape the landscape of leaves 
    management
  • Learn about potential legislative updates that could further impact FMLA and PFML coordination

Who Will Benefit

• Employer
• Human Resources Professional
• Supervisor