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• Illinois General Assembly Passes Bill Granting FMLA-Type Leave Rights to Domestic and Sexual Violence Victims ( July 2003 )
  Neil G. Wolf and Michael F. Rosenblum of Wildman, Harrold, Allen & Dixon LLP

  The Victims' Economic Security and Safety Act, passed by the Illinois General Assembly on June 1, 2003, awaits action by Governor Rod Blagojevich. If the Act becomes law, it will create a major new set of employers' duties and employees' rights. Modeled generally on the federal Family and Medical Leave Act ("FMLA"), the Illinois Act grants up to 12 weeks of unpaid leave, in a 12-month period, to a victim of domestic or sexual violence (which includes domestic violence, sexual abuse or stalking, each as defined by the Illinois Criminal Code).

• War and the Workplace: Staying the Course in Times of Crisis ( April 2003 )
  Sherrie  Travis and Beau C. Sefton of Wildman, Harrold, Allen & Dixon LLP

  Current political and international events, most notably September 11 and the war with Iraq, have had a significant effect on the workplace. Employers are now keenly aware that they must take steps to prevent and prepare for catastrophe on a number of fronts. The employment-related impact of these world events arises in a number of ways, some obvious, some not so obvious. This article identifies areas of critical concern for employers and offers concrete ways to address and resolve them.

• What Is the Oregon Legislature Up to Now? The Top Ten Bills Affecting Employers ( March 2003 )
  Bryan M. Westhoff of Miller Nash LLP

  The regular session of the 2003 Oregon Legislature officially began in January. Since then, a number of bills have been introduced into the House or Senate that, if passed, could impact many employers. The following is our "top ten" list of bills, all of which are still in their infancy.

• Making Part-Day Deductions From Leave Banks of Exempt Washington Employees? Better Do It Right… ( February 2003 )
  Susan Eberle Stahlfeld of Miller Nash LLP

  Are you taking part-day deductions from the leave banks of employees exempt from overtime when the employees leave work early because of illness or vacation? If so, you need to be aware of a new regulation that takes effect on February 21, 2003.

• New Law Grants FMLA--Type Leave Rights to Domestic and Sexual Violence Victims ( January 2003 )
  Neil G. Wolf and Michael F. Rosenblum of Wildman, Harrold, Allen & Dixon LLP

  The Victims’ Economic Security and Safety Act was signed by Governor Rod Blagojevich on August 25, 2003. It became effective immediately. Modeled generally on the federal Family and Medical Leave Act ("FMLA"), the Illinois Act grants up to 12 weeks of unpaid leave to a victim of domestic or sexual violence, a victim’s family members, as well as other individuals “jointly residing in the same household.”

• Military Leave Requirements ( December 2002 )
  Bingham McCutchen LLP

  Under the Uniformed Services Employment and Reemployment Rights Act of 1994, employees are entitled to five years' cumulative leave for "service in the uniformed services." Except for the "most favored treatment" rule, the leave need not be paid. (There is no prohibition on pay during the leave.) Employees may, but cannot be required to, use accumulated vacation pay during the leave.

• FMLA and ADA: Good and Bad News for Employers ( September 2002 )
  W. Mark Gavre of Parsons Behle & Latimer

  In the good news category, the U.S. Supreme Court ruled that an employer cannot be compelled to give more than 12 weeks of FMLA leave. In a closely divided (5 to 4) decision, the Supreme Court invalidated the regulation that had previously required an employer to give more than 12 weeks of leave when it did not first tell the employee that his leave of absence was covered by the FMLA.

• FMLA Leave: To Designate or Not Designate--That Was the Question ( June 2002 )
  Michelle E. Coburn of Thompson, Coe, Cousins & Irons, LLP

  At issue was a Department of Labor regulation related to the timely designation of leave under the Family and Medical Leave Act of 1993 ("FMLA"). The regulation provided an employer must designate leave as "FMLA leave," or else it does not count against the employee?s FMLA leave allotment.

• Injured Employees: You?ll Be Back WHEN?…?… ( February 2001 )
  John L. Ross of Thompson, Coe, Cousins & Irons, LLP

  This article concerns damage awards following a termination after an extended absence.

• Is Your Workplace Mother Friendly? The Answer May Surprise You… ( November 2000 )
  Barry J.E. Greve of Thompson, Coe, Cousins & Irons, LLP

  This article concerns a mothers the right to breast-feed their babies in any location in which the mother is authorized to be.