(a) For purposes of FMLA, in determining whether an employer is
covered because it is a ``successor in interest'' to a covered employer,
the factors used under Title VII of the Civil Rights Act and the Vietnam
Era Veterans' Adjustment Act will be considered. However, unlike Title
VII, whether the successor has notice of the employee's claim is not a
consideration. Notice may be relevant, however, in determining successor
liability for violations of the predecessor. The factors to be
considered include:
(1) Substantial continuity of the same business operations;
(2) Use of the same plant;
(3) Continuity of the work force;
(4) Similarity of jobs and working conditions;
(5) Similarity of supervisory personnel;
(6) Similarity in machinery, equipment, and production methods;
(7) Similarity of products or services; and
(8) The ability of the predecessor to provide relief.
(b) A determination of whether or not a ``successor in interest''
exists is not determined by the application of any single criterion, but
rather the entire circumstances are to be viewed in their totality.
(c) When an employer is a ``successor in interest,'' employees'
entitlements are the same as if the employment by the predecessor and
successor were continuous employment by a single employer. For example,
the successor, whether or not it meets FMLA coverage criteria, must
grant leave for eligible employees who had provided appropriate notice
to the predecessor, or continue leave begun while employed by the
predecessor, including maintenance of group health benefits during the
leave and job restoration at the conclusion of the leave. A successor
which meets FMLA's coverage criteria must count periods of employment
and hours worked for the predecessor for purposes of determining
employee eligibility for FMLA leave.
