Traveling overseas and FMLA

[dxb8307]

I work in retail and currently get 3 weeks of vacation. At the end of this year, my parents will be moving back to our country of origin and I am contemplating how to go about asking my boss to take extended (even unpaid) time off once my parents move. I usually have to ask permission from my boss to have 2 weeks back to back. I did it twice in 8 years and 2 weeks is not enough when traveling oversees. Any immigrant pharmacists here that travel back to their homeland on a regular basis? Would FMLA be an option?

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[sunnyandseventytwo]

I work in retail and currently get 3 weeks of vacation. At the end of this year, my parents will be moving back to our country of origin and I am contemplating how to go about asking my boss to take extended (even unpaid) time off once my parents move. I usually have to ask permission from my boss to have 2 weeks back to back. I did it twice in 8 years and 2 weeks is not enough when traveling oversees. Any immigrant pharmacists here that travel back to their homeland on a regular basis? Would FMLA be an option?

Everyone should apply for FMLA. It pretty much takes the attendance requirement away from your job. (I'm assuming you work for a chain in a largish city. An independent or anywhere with fewer than 50 employees within a 75 mile radius doesn't have to follow the FMLA rules.)

Alternatively, your job sucks. Tell your boss you need to go for x number of weeks. If your request is denied, quit. Your job, or a better one, will be there when you get back.

 

[Dred Pirate]

FMLA only covers for medical care (you or a family member have a medical condition that requires you to take care of them) - so that would only cover you if HR approves the fact you need to take care of your parents - your situation might be pushing it to say the least, that being said, some HR departments are going to see each situation very differently.

 

[Pronounce Doxazosin]

Ah yes, fellow international pharmacist
I’ve been able to take 2 weeks off, but the trick is asking in advance and choosing time of the year that is not popular
Taking FMLA is possible, but I believe you are required to provide an English translated medical note to your employer (assuming your employer asks for one), but I’m not a lawyer so don’t quote me on that one