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Family Related Issues

Rajendra Damaraju

Professor: Judge Richard B. Potter

Legal LEG 500

November 01, 2011

Explain if it matters that a parent literally had nothing to do with a biological child in order for the child to take advantage of the Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA) to care for that parent.

Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA) do not place stipulations on granting leave for a parent based upon financial or physical responsibilities. Lack of employment policies to accommodate working parents can force individuals to choose between job security and parenting. The employee must make that determination for taking FMLA. For example, Herman was supporting Tony in his decision to care for his sick father, until he advised that a leave would be needed. Upon the discussion, Herman violated the FLMA exceptional and special rules, he refused to offer Tony intermittent or reduced health leave or alter means to keep him employed. However, Herman did offer a threat of being unemployed if Tony decided to take the leave. Many employees may have felt bad but, yet, they still have the love for their family members, especially biological parents. A good example could be inferred from ANTHONY G. MARTIN, versus BREVARD COUNTY PUBLIC SCHOOLS, Florida case, 2008 where Mr. Martin had to take care of her newly born granddaughter using FMLA leave as a loco parent.

Explain whether the size of the business can have any effect on whether Tony is eligible for family leave under the FMLA

The Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA) act of 1993 applies to all employees who are public agencies, including state, local and federal employers, local education agencies such as schools, and private-sector employers who employed 50 or more employees. As indicated by Tony and Herman, this company has employees more than 50 that mean Tony could be eligible for FMLA,

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