The Human Rights Commission does not enforce the FMLA, as it is a federal law. The Commission, can, however, provide you with information and technical assistance on the FMLA. Only certain employers are covered by the FMLA, and only certain employees are eligible for FMLA coverage. The United States Department of Labor (DOL) enforces the FMLA, or, you can seek assistance from a private attorney. For more information on the FMLA, you can visit the DOL’s website: http://www.dol.gov/elaws/fmla.htm or contact the DOL office closest to Columbus:

Indianapolis District Office
US Dept. of Labor
Wage & Hour Division
135 North Pennsylvania Street
Suite 700
Indianapolis, IN 46204
Phone:
1-866-4-USWAGE
(1-866-487-9243)

Patricia Lewis
District Director

Synopsis of the FMLA: Covered employers (fifty or more employees or a government agency) must grant an eligible employee (employed at least twelve months and worked at least 1250 hours at a work place with fifty or more employees within a seventy-five mile radius) up to a total of 12 workweeks of unpaid leave during any 12-month period for one or more of the following reasons:

  • for the birth and care of the newborn child of the employee;
  • for placement with the employee of a son or daughter for adoption or foster care;
  • to care for an immediate family member (spouse, child, or parent) with a serious health condition; or
  • to take medical leave when the employee is unable to work because of a serious health condition.