LOS ANGELES (CNS) — After an investigation by the US Department of Labor’s Wage and Hour Division, it was announced Tuesday, Jan. 28, that a Van Nuys health care center has paid $13,640 in lost wages and liquidated damages to a former employee after the center violated federal labor regulations.
WHD investigators found Care Center on Hazeltine denied reinstatement and wrongfully terminated the employee, who had taken Family and Medical Leave Act-qualifying leave for the birth of their child, the agency said.
Investigators found the employer informed the worker that they were no longer employed when they returned from leave. The FMLA requires covered employers to return eligible employees to the same position and working conditions they held prior to taking time off under the law.
The investigation resulted in the employer paying the worker lost wages and damages. Care Center on Hazeltine also presented the employee an offer of reinstatement, which the employee rejected, WHD said.
“The Family and Medical Leave Act provides flexibility for employees who need time to address important life events, such as the birth of a child,” said Kimchi Bui, WHD district director in Los Angeles.
“The US Department of Labor is committed to enforcing the law and educating employers to ensure employees can exercise their FMLA rights. We encourage all employers to reach out to us if they have questions about these important protections.”