EMPLOYMENT LAW: EEOC Clarifies Extended Leave for Disabled Employees

Washington -- The Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) affirmed the need to grant extended leave request of disabled employees as another form of reasonable accommodation, a statement released in its website said.

The EEOC conducted a meeting with employers and employee representatives to clarify the agency's regulation on reasonable accommodation for disabled workers, the report said.

Reports said the EEOC clarified that the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) mandates employers to give assistance among medically-challenged employees to help them perform job duties. Granting the request for extended medical leave can be considered as reasonable accommodation.

The employers who attended the meeting contested that the extended leave can cause undue hardship for their business operations. The owners explained that exceeding the standard number of leave impair business transactions. The employers suggested sample situations wherein additional days off from work can be granted.

The EEOC and the employers agreed on granting extended leave request when the employee has qualified medical condition.