Sample FMLA Comments for SHRM Members

Welcome and thank you for taking this opportunity to help improve the implementation of the Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA) by providing comment to the Department of Labor (DOL) in response to its Notice of Proposed Rulemaking issued on February 11. It is very important that the DOL hear from the HR community on how to improve the implementing regulations of the FMLA while preserving the integrity of the Act's leave protections.

The deadline for submitting comments to the DOL is Friday, April 11, 2008. You will need to make a few modifications to this comment letter before submitting it to DOL. You will need to follow the steps below in order to file a comment with DOL. We suggest you print this page so that these steps are easily accessible while finalizing and submitting your document.

1. Select and download the draft FMLA comment letter you would like to send. You have a choice between a long version of the letter or a shorter version. IMPORTANT: SEND ONLY ONE OF THESE.

2. These drafts are in Microsoft Word format and must be downloaded and saved to your computer. Remember: Choose only ONE.

3. Please take the time to review the draft comment letter.

4. IMPORTANT: Please make sure to add your name, title and address at the end of the comment letter.

5. After carefully reviewing the final document, rename the title of your document by including your name, such as "George Smith FMLA Comment" and save your document.

6. After renaming and saving your document, log-on to the Department of Labor’s regulatory comment website by clicking HERE.

7. Scroll down this page and complete the “Submitter Information” form and then type “Attached FMLA comments submitted by [include your name – e.g. George Smith]” in the large box under the “Public Comment or Submission” portion of the form. Remember: This box must contain text or your comment letter will not be delivered to DOL.

8. Attach your Word document where requested by accessing the “Browse” button and then clicking the “Add Attachment” button.

9. Click the “Next Step” button, review the information noting to make sure your comment has been attached, then click the “Submit” button to send your comment.

10. You must complete all of these steps in order for your comment letter to be delivered to DOL. Once completed, you should receive a message screen verifying that your comment has been received which includes a tracking number.

Thank you in advance for taking the time to provide comment to the Department of Labor on how to improve the Family and Medical Leave Act regulations. The SHRM Government Affairs staff greatly appreciates your willingness to submit these comments. Please feel free to contact Recardo Gibson, SHRM Member Advocacy Specialist, if you encounter any difficulties in submitting your comments at rgibson@shrm.org.