Company Advances Flex Contribution if Salary is Reduced??

[Christine Roberts]

I am looking at a prototype flex plan document that calls for the plan sponsor to "advance a sufficient amount to make the required contribution" in the event a plan participant does not have sufficient compensation to make his or her flex plan election contributions. Advanced amounts are to be recovered by way of future salary reductions.

Is this kosher? I can see state wage and hour law problems with the increased deduction from pay. And if this is meant to address an unpaid leave situation, wouldn't it be trumped by the FMLA/Flex plan regs that were issued some time ago?