What is the Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA)?
The Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA) is a federal law that was created in 1993 by the U.S. Department of Labor. It provides unpaid, job-protected leave for employees of companies with 50 or more employees. The purpose of FMLA is to allow employees to take time off from work due to a serious personal or family illness, including pregnancy, childbirth, adoption, and foster care. FMLA applies to all employers in the state of Washington with 50 or more employees, as well as all public agencies, regardless of the number of employees. Under FMLA, eligible employees are entitled to up to 12 workweeks of job-protected leave in a 12-month period. The 12-month period is usually calculated on a yearly basis. Additionally, employees can take up to 26 weeks of leave during a 12-month period to care for a family member who has a service-related disability. In Washington, FMLA covers all employers with 50 or more employees working in the same place or within 75 miles of each other. The law also covers state, local, and federal government employers, regardless of their employee size. Eligible employees who take FMLA leave are entitled to return to the same or an equivalent position with the same pay and benefits they had prior to taking leave. FMLA is an important federal law that provides employees with peace of mind knowing they will not lose their job or be penalized for taking time off for personal and family reasons. This law helps to ensure employees are not financially burdened if they must take time off of work due to illness or family obligations.
Related FAQs
Does my employer have to provide me with a guarantee that I will get the same or equivalent job after my FMLA leave?Does the FMLA require employers to hold a job for an employee on FMLA leave?
Are there any restrictions on how much FMLA leave I can take in a 12-month period?
Does the FMLA protect employees from being fired while on FMLA leave?
How does the FMLA affect my employer's benefits plans?
Can an employer deny an employee's request to take FMLA leave?
When can I request FMLA leave?
Are employers required to give employees unpaid leave for jury duty?
Can FMLA leave be taken on an intermittent basis?
Do I have to use my FMLA leave in one continuous block?
Related Blog Posts
FMLA Law: What You Need to Know About Your Rights - July 31, 2023Navigating the FMLA Leave Process: A Step-By-Step Guide - August 7, 2023
Employee Eligibility Requirements for FMLA Leave - August 14, 2023
Understanding How FMLA Leave Works in Your State - August 21, 2023
Explanation of Eligible Uses for FMLA Leave - August 28, 2023