William L. Clay: “the sponsors of this ``Paycheck Reduction Act'' keep claiming that H.R. 1 uses the same ``unduly disrupt'' standard…”

“the sponsors of this ``Paycheck Reduction Act'' keep claiming that H.R. 1 uses the same ``unduly disrupt'' standard found in the Family and Medical Leave Act. Their claim is flat, dead wrong. Let's set the record straight. Under the FMLA, the ``unduly disrupt'' standard is extremely limited and specifically protects the power of employees to decide for themselves when to take family leave. Under the FMLA, the ``unduly disrupt'' exception only applies when the need for leave is for forseeable medical reasons. In that case, the FMLA says, ``The employee shall make a reasonable effort to schedule the leave so as not to disrupt unduly the employer's operation.'' Even then, the leave can only be delayed if the employee's doctor agrees that delay will not harm the health of the employee, or his or her family member. That distinction lies at the heart of the difference between the Republican bill and the Democratic substitute. We protect the employees' power over their own time and pay. H.R. 1, on the other hand, gives more power to the employees.”