City of Wilton Manors, FL sued in Federal Court for failure to follow FMLA regulations

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Miramar, Florida, United States of America (Free-Press-Release.com) April 27, 2011 -- The City of Wilton Manors a Southeast municipality was sued in Federal Court for failing to properly provide Family Medical Leave Act (FMLA) benefits to one of its employees. The lawsuit Rodriguez v. City of Wilton Manors was filed on 04/08/2011 in the Southern District Court for Florida.

The complaint alleges that Mr. Rodriguez a City of Wilton Manors Police officer requested Family Medical Leave after the stress of his employment caused him to develop manifestations which prevented him from properly carrying out his duties. Mr. Rodriguez had previously sought treatment with a physician who reccomended he take a leave of absence from his employment. After submitting documents to support his leave request, Mr. Rodriguez was denied leave in violation of Federal Law. After obtaining the help of the Department of Labor, the City of Wilton Manors was advised that the forms the City's Human Resource office was using were outdated and did not provide the statutory notice requirements pursuant to the Department of Labor's regulations and the Family Medical Leave Act. Even after having the proper forms filled out by his physician, the City of Wilton Manors continued to deny Mr. Rodriguez his leave. At no time did the City of Wilton Manors provide Mr. Rodriguez a "Notice of Eligibility" or "Notice of Rights & Responsibilities" both required under the Family Medical Leave Act and the regulations of the Department of Labor. The City under relative new Police Chief Sharon Anderson after denying Mr. Rodriguez his leave, then required Mr. Rodriguez undergo a fitness for duty examination. The City then terminated Mr. Rodriguez on April 7, 2011.
The lawsuit seeks damages and reinstatement of Mr. Rodriguez to his former position for violation of the FMLA and retaliation for seeking FMLA leave. The complaint is cited at Rodriguez v. City of Wilton Manors 0:11-cv-60754-JIC

broward county     City of Wilton Manors     Family Medical Leave Act     florida     FMLA     Southern District of Florida