New Public Act Expands Access to FMLA for Educational Staff

The new law which reduces the number of hours worked in order to qualify for family and medical leave took effect on January 1, 2022. Public Act 102-0335 allows school district, public university, or community college district employees who have been employed for at least 12 months and who have worked at least 1,000 hours in the previous 12-month period to be eligible for family and medical leave under the same terms and conditions as the federal Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA) of 1993. Previously, an employee must have worked 1,250 hours during the previous year.

“Passing this law was a big victory for our union,” said Dian Palmer, President of Local 73. “This victory would not have been possible without COPE contributions from Local 73 members.”

“It’s enormously important to ensure that all of Illinois’ education professionals have not only what they need to support the students and families they serve, but also to care for themselves and their own families, too,” said Governor JB Pritzker. 

In addition to caring for a newborn, adopted or foster child, FMLA can also be used if an employee needs time to recuperate from a serious health condition, care for a family member with a serious health condition, or care for a family member who has sustained injuries while on active service duty for the military.

Contributions to the Committee on Political Education Fund (COPE) allow our union to fight for policies like Public Act 102-0335 that affect our work sites and colleagues. Contribute to COPE today and strengthen our collective voice!