What is the Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA)?

The Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA) is a federal law that protects the rights of employees with regards to taking medical and family leave. The FMLA applies to all employers with 50 or more employees in the United States, including employers in Virginia. Under the FMLA, employees who have been employed by their employer for at least 12 months, and have worked 1,250 hours in the 12 months prior to taking leave, are entitled to up to twelve weeks of unpaid leave in any 12 month period for various reasons. These reasons include birth of a child, adoption of a child, caring for a family member with a serious health condition, or dealing with a serious health condition themselves. In Virginia, employers must provide employees with the same job or an equivalent job upon returning from leave. Employees must also be eligible to retain the same benefits and insurance while on leave as they would have had they not taken leave. The FMLA also protects employees from any form of discrimination or retaliation from employers when taking FMLA leave. The FMLA is a law that helps protect employees rights to take necessary medical or family leave without the threat of losing their job. It is important for employers and employees in Virginia to understand these laws to ensure equal rights are protected.

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What is the Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA)?

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