TRENTON, N.J. (Legal Newsline) — Tenafly Pediatrics has agreed to pay $45,000 for allegations it wrongly terminated an employee for taking time off under the Family Leave Act, Acting Attorney General John J. Hoffman announced recently.
Former Tenafly Pediatrics Coordinator Allison Blair was allegedly fired in March 2014 after a nine-day absence. Blair had been caring for her terminally ill father and attending his funeral. The state’s case maintains that she notified her employers verbally that she planned to take time off under the state’s Family Leave Act.
When she tried to return to work, however, Tenafly Pediatrics allegedly removed her from her position. The company, according to claims, stated that she did not fill out the proper paperwork. Under the state’s laws, the paperwork does not need to be filled out before the time off. Verbal notification is sufficient.
“This settlement represents a fair and just resolution -- not only because of its financial terms, but because of the provisions it contains that will promote greater awareness of, and compliance with, our state’s family leave laws,” Acting Attorney General Hoffman said.
Tenafly Pediatrics will pay Blair in two installments and must comply with several non-monetary conditions of the settlement, which include conspicuous postings of an employee’s rights under the Family Leave Act.
“An employee should not have to be forced to choose between keeping his or her job and tending to the serious health condition of a family member,” Division Director Craig T. Sashihara said. “New Jersey’s family leave laws were created to maintain the integrity of the family unit, and our commitment is to ensure that employers respect and adhere to those laws.”