Organ Donor Tests Firm’s Leave Policies
Executive Advice
By Staci Davidson   
Monday, 30 April 2007
Tullahoma-based Tennessee Apparel came under fire in early June when it refused to grant time off to an employee who wanted to donate one of her kidneys to the wife of a relative. Pam Melson, who has worked for the company for four years, said she would take the time without pay.

The company said it denied her request because of her “excessive absenteeism,” but it would not disclose how many days she had been out. Melson said she had missed days to care for her three children when they were sick.

In Tennessee, employers have no obligation to provide time for this type of situation; the company said it is following the Family Medical Leave Act (FMLA).

Dave Roberts, vice president of manufacturing, said she could take the time, but the company would not hold her job for her. Roberts said that if Melson decided to come back to work after the surgery, Tennessee Apparel would give her “every consideration,” but she would come back as a new employee.

“It’s not a family member,” he said. “This is an elective surgery based on her own decision. She doesn’t have to do this.”

As the sole breadwinner of her family, Melson said she couldn’t afford to risk her job for the surgery. After a few days, the firm’s board of directors released a statement saying it would grant Melson’s time off. “Tennessee Apparel has decided to implement a new policy,” the statement said. “From this day forward, Tennessee Apparel will treat requests for voluntary organ donation as a request covered by FMLA leave if they meet all the other requirements for FMLA coverage.”

Why not agree to Melson’s request immediately? What is the harm in allowing employees time for any community activities if they are truly dedicated? Yes, production needs to remain on schedule, but employees also need to be kept happy to ensure quality. Firms should seek out people like Melson who are willing to truly give of themselves. Their bottom lines will benefit.
 
< Previous Story   Next Story >