Does the FMLA provide job protection for people affected by domestic violence?
The Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA) does not provide direct job protection for people affected by domestic violence. However, in North Carolina, there are state laws that provide protection from discrimination and unfair treatment on the basis of domestic violence, sexual assault, or stalking. These laws protect victims of domestic violence, sexual assault and stalking from being fired or otherwise discriminated against on the basis of their experience. In North Carolina, employers are prohibited from firing or otherwise discriminating against a victim of domestic violence. According to the North Carolina Department of Justice, victims of domestic violence cannot be denied promotions, raises, or other benefits due to their experience with domestic violence. Additionally, employers in North Carolina must provide reasonable accommodations to employees affected by domestic violence who have requested a reasonable accommodation. This includes providing a flexible work schedule or making other work-related changes the victim may need due to their experience with domestic violence. Employers in North Carolina must also provide unpaid leave for victims of domestic violence who need to take time off to attend court proceedings or take other action related to addressing the domestic violence they have experienced. This leave is protected and employees are eligible to return to their positions following the leave. In summary, the FMLA does not directly provide job protections for victims of domestic violence. However, the state of North Carolina has enacted laws that provide protection from discrimination and provide victims of domestic violence with unpaid leave and reasonable accommodations.
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