The 1993 Federal family-leave law requires employers to allow 12 weeks of unpaid leave in some such cases. But less crucial matters force a choice between two legitimate needs. Good managers may empathize but be unable to say yes. Mr. Quesnel had to reject the father's request. The employee was disappointed and upset.
Managers often face consequences no matter what they decide.
Mr. Budny oversees 168 people who work shifts covering 24 hours, five days a week, making parts for such customers as Ford Motor. Good attendance is crucial. Idling machinery for absences can mean the whole plant has to work on a Saturday. Thus, he cringed when a supervisor, a single dad, asked if he could leave early periodically for his son's T-ball games. Mr. Bundy says.