Maura Currier has been working for ComputerTech fo r four years as a lead supervisor. During the past two years, Currier's mother has needed frequent medical attentiion for her diabetes. Being the only child, Currier has helped her mother , jane Currier, as often as her work schedule would allow. Unfortunately, during the past two years, her mother's condition has worsened.

With the passage of the Family and Medicla Leave Act (FMLA), Currier asked the firm for and was grnated, an upaid leave to care for her mother in accordance with company policy. The agreement stated that Currier could miss work every Friday for 60 weeks rather than take off 12 straight weeks. At the end of 60 weeks, Currier returned to work full time and immediately began missing work to care for her mother until all of her allotted vacation and sick leave days were exhausted. She then asked that her Friday leave be extended indefinitely because her mother's condition remained serious and she required ongoing assistance.

The firm's HR director wa uncertain what her response should be in this situation. ComputerTech needed Currier to be at work regulary because of the heavy workload, the fact that her job duties were critical, and because other supervisors an employees preferred not to have to cover for her. On the other hand, Currier was an excellent supervisor and had worked four year for ComputerTech. In addition everyone was concerned about the welfare of both Currier and her mother and wanted to be supportive of them.

1. What are the advantages and disadvantages of extending Currier's leave?

2. If you were the HR direcotr, would you grant her request? Explain your answer.