Volunteer Firefighters are “Employees” for FMLA Coverage
In a real head scratcher, the Sixth Circuit has held 2-1 that volunteer firefighters are “employees” who are counted for, and therefore get protection under, the Family and Medical Leave Act. Mendel v. City of Gibraltar, 2013 U.S. App. LEXIS 16922 (August 15, 2013). The majority made this decision based on the “substantial wages” paid for the services performed. The City of Gibraltar, Michigan has approximately 25 volunteer firefighters...
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