Sixth Circuit Expands FMLA Leave Rights to Siblings
In Chapman v. Brentlinger Enterprises , the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Sixth Circuit (the “Sixth Circuit”) expanded the scope of family relationships covered under the Family and Medical Leave Act (“FMLA”), ruling that employees may be eligible for leave to care for a seriously ill sibling. Background As a general rule, the FMLA provides eligible employees with unpaid, job-protected leave for the following reasons: (i) their own serious health condition; (ii) to care for a seriously ill or injured spouse, child, or parent; (iii) for the birth, adoption, or placement of a child; or (iv) to deal with "exigencies" related to their spouse’s military deployment. The FMLA also includes a limited exception when an employee assumes a parental role (“in loco parentis”) for someone who is not their legal child. Facts Celestia Chapman (“Chapman”) was employed as a finance manager at Brentlinger Enterprises, d/b/a Midwestern Auto Group (“MAG”), a luxury car dealership. While emplo...