FMLA & Medical Leave Information

Clearwater Paper — Augusta Mill

The following information summarizes the Augusta Mill process for requesting FMLA leave, reporting intermittent FMLA absences, and returning to work following medical leave.

Need to File for FMLA Leave?

Employees who need to open an FMLA claim should contact Lincoln Financial to begin the process.

This includes:

  • Intermittent FMLA Leave

  • Continuous FMLA Leave

  • Short-Term Disability Leave

Contact Lincoln Financial

Phone: 1-888-408-7300
Website: MyLincolnPortal.com
Company Code:CLEARWATER

First-time users will need to register using the company code CLEARWATER.

Important FMLA Reminders

Employees must have at least 1,250 hours of service with the Company during the 12-month period immediately preceding the leave.

When using FMLA, employees must also contact Main Gate Security to report their absence from work.

Main Gate Security

Phone: 706-796-5416

FMLA-related incidents should be reported as early as possible.

When reporting the absence, state that it is FMLA-related and clarify whether the issue involves:

  • Yourself, or

  • An immediate family member

Intermittent FMLA Leave

Important Reporting Requirement

Intermittent FMLA leave must be reported within 48 hours of returning to work.

Lincoln Intermittent Leave Reporting

Phone: 888-479-8494

When calling Lincoln, complete the entire leave-reporting process.

Do not hang up before the reporting process is complete. An incomplete report may result in the leave not being properly recorded and could result in the claim being denied.

Remember

Reporting an absence to Main Gate Security and reporting intermittent FMLA time to Lincoln are separate parts of the process. Make sure all required reporting is completed.

Returning to Work After FMLA or Short-Term Disability Leave

Returning After 30 Days or More

Before returning to work after being out for 30 days or more, employees should complete the following steps:

  1. Notify your Lincoln Financial Group (LFG) Claims Specialist that your Attending Physician has cleared you to return to work without restrictions.

  2. Contact Human Resources for a copy of your job description and provide it to your doctor before your release date.

  3. Email a copy of your medical release to Augusta Human Resources.

Email:CLW-Augusta-Human.Resources@clearwaterpaper.com

  1. Human Resources will schedule your visit to Concentra after your release date.

  2. Take the following three documents with you to Concentra:

    • Return-to-Work Form

    • Job Description

    • Authorization Form

  3. Following your Concentra visit, bring the documents to the on-site Health Services team at least 24 hours before you are scheduled to rejoin your crew.

Returning After More Than 3 Days but Less Than 30 Days

Employees who are out on medical leave for more than three days but less than 30 days must have a clearance from their doctor before returning to work.

The medical clearance must be presented to the on-site Health Services team before rejoining your crew.

Need to Extend Your Return-to-Work Date?

If you cannot return to work as scheduled and need additional time, contact your Lincoln Financial Group Claims Specialist and provide the necessary supporting documentation.

You must also notify the Augusta Human Resources Department.

Augusta Human Resources

Phone: 706-796-5555
Email:CLW-Augusta-Human.Resources@clearwaterpaper.com

Having Problems With FMLA or Medical Leave?

If you experience problems with:

  • Filing an FMLA claim

  • Reporting intermittent FMLA

  • An FMLA absence not being properly recorded

  • A denied FMLA claim

  • Attendance points related to an FMLA absence

  • Discipline involving an FMLA-related absence

  • Medical leave or Short-Term Disability

  • Returning to work after medical leave

Contact your Union representative as soon as possible.

Do not wait until the issue has progressed through the disciplinary process before seeking assistance.

Important

FMLA, Short-Term Disability, and the Company's attendance and call-in procedures are separate processes. Employees are responsible for following all applicable reporting requirements.

When in doubt, contact Lincoln Financial, Augusta Human Resources, and your Local 983 Union representative promptly.