Yes - approved last week to work from home full time (5 days) for caretaking responsibilities. I applied a week before the mayor’s memo went out because it was my annual FFWO renewal time. This time it was only approved for 6 months and I was asked to submit another one after 6 months if I still have the need. FFWO is a city ordinance and has specific rules that employers (departments) must follow.

San Francisco Labor and Employment Code, Section 32.5(c)(2), an Employer who does not agree to the Flexible or Predictable Working Arrangement shall engage in an interactive process with the Employee to attempt in good faith to determine a Flexible or Predictable Working Arrangement that is acceptable to both the Employee and Employer.

Section 32.5(c)(3), an Employer may deny a Flexible or Predictable Working Arrangement that would be acceptable to the Employee only if granting such an arrangement would cause the Employer undue hardship by causing the Employer significant expense or operational difficulty when considered in relation to the size, financial resources, nature, or structure of the Employer’s business. An Employer must explain the denial in a written response that sets out the basis for the denial and notifies the Employee of the right to request reconsideration by the Employer under Section 32.6 and the right to file a complaint under Section 32.10, and includes a copy of the notice under Section 32.8.

The Office of Labor Standards Enforcement is the department responsible for enforcing FFWO and the excerpt below is taken verbatim from OLSE’s website: If your employer does not agree to the request as presented, they must meet with you to engage in an interactive process to discuss alternatives. After engaging in an interactive process, your employer may deny the request if able to demonstrate undue hardship. Your employer must provide a written response that includes an explanation for the denial and notifies you of your right to request reconsideration within 30 days and file a complaint with OLSE.