The U.S. Dept. of Labor estimates that the revisions to its Family and Medical Leave Act rules will result in a total first year net costs of $327.7 million and annual reoccurring costs of $244.4 million for both workers and employers. For employers, the largest cost is the $257.3 million in recurring costs related to the new military family leave provisions. For workers, the largest cost is the $19.8 million in recurring costs associated with the additional fitness-for-duty certifications that may be required if a worker has used intermittent leave and a reasonable safety concern exists.

HEC will be hosting a full-day program on January 12, 2009 at the Pagoda Hotel on the new FMLA rules, which will also include our updated model FMLA policy and other useful forms. A seminar brochure will be sent out shortly.