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

The Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA) is a federal employment law that protects employees in Washington from being put at a disadvantage in the workplace due to illness, disability, and caregiving needs. This law applies to all employers in the state of Washington who have at least 50 employees. Under the FMLA, eligible employees can take up to 12 weeks of unpaid, job-protected leave in any 12-month period to care for a family member with a serious health condition, bond with a newborn child, or recover from their own serious health condition. FMLA also guarantees that eligible employees can return to the same or an equivalent job position and will not have to worry about any form of employment discrimination or retaliation. Additionally, the law also requires employers to continue providing health insurance coverage while an employee is on leave, as long as the employee continues to pay any assigned premiums. The law also provides additional protections to certain public and military personnel. For example, in Washington, public employees can use accrued paid leave for up to 12 weeks of FMLA leave instead of unpaid leave. Furthermore, for military personnel, the law provides an extra 26 weeks of leave to care for a covered service member with a serious injury or illness.

Related FAQs

What are the differences between discrimination in hiring and discrimination in the workplace?
Are employers prohibited from discriminating against employees who are transgender or gender-nonconforming?
Are employers allowed to require job applicants to have a certain level of education or experience?
What is a constructive discharge and when is it unlawful?
What is the relationship between Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 and employment discrimination law?
Are employers allowed to terminate employees for filing workers' compensation claims?
What are the differences between federal and state employment discrimination law?
What types of employers are covered by employment discrimination law?
Are employers required to treat employees differently due to their religion or beliefs?
Are employers allowed to ask job applicants questions about their military service?

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

Related FAQs

Related Blog Posts