Nordlund v. Employment Security Department

**The Dispute** Maria Nordlund worked for Expedia, Inc. and took time off when her mother became ill and later died. After her mother's death, Nordlund failed to stay in contact with her employer and didn't provide the required Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA) paperwork. When she applied for unemployment benefits after losing her job, the Employment Security Department denied her claim, saying she had voluntarily quit without good reason. **The Court's Decision** The Washington Court of Appeals sided with the Employment Security Department. The court ruled that Nordlund had essentially quit her job by not maintaining contact with Expedia or submitting the necessary FMLA documentation. Even though she was dealing with a family tragedy, the court found she didn't have "good cause" to abandon her job responsibilities entirely. **What This Means for Workers** This case highlights the importance of staying in communication with your employer during family emergencies, even during incredibly difficult times. While FMLA protects your right to take leave for serious family illness or death, you must follow proper procedures and maintain contact with your employer. If you don't, you risk losing both your job and your eligibility for unemployment benefits.