Seven-week leave prompts FMLA lawsuit

Description

Abstract: The Family and Medical Leave Act entitles an employee to take up to 12 weeks annually to care for his or her spouse (or certain other family members) — if the spouse has a serious health condition. But does a spiritual pilgrimage constitute medical care? This article looks at the case of a worker who was terminated for taking a seven-week leave after producing certification that, in the employer’s opinion, did not adequately attest to her husband’s medical condition. Tayag v. Lahey Clinic Hospital, No. 10-1169, Jan. 27, 2011 (1st Cir.)