Labor & Employment Shareholder Blythe E. Lovinger and Associate Meg Inomata recently discussed flu season and employers' compliance with federal laws in "Do Your Employees Have the Flu? Follow These Paid-Sick-Leave-Laws," published in SHRM Magazine. Ms. Lovinger and Ms. Inomata noted that "Employers should not presume that compliance with federal laws, such as the Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA) and Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) is sufficient," as the flu could be a serious health condition within the meaning of the FMLA if it meets certain conditions.They stress that,"Businesses should ensure that their sick-leave policies comply with the laws of all applicable jurisdictions."

Ms. Lovinger and Ms. Inomata also noted that the amount of sick leave employees accrue may vary by jurisdiction. "The majority of states and municipalities with paid-sick-leave statutes require a minimum accrual rate of one hour of sick leave for every 30 hours worked," but, "some laws require accrual at the rate of one hour of sick leave for every 40 hours worked."

Click here to read the article in SHRM and their comments in full. To learn more about the applicable paid-sick-leave statutes in your jurisdiction or to prepare your business for compliance with federal laws, contact Blythe E. Lovinger, +1 (212) 407 7770, Meg Inomata, +1 (202) 312 3374, or any Vedder Price attorney with whom you have worked.