Does the FMLA provide job protection for employees affected by the closure of a business?

The short answer is yes. In Virginia, the protections provided by the Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA) extend to employees who are impacted by the closure of a business. FMLA allows employees to take unpaid leave for up to 12 weeks for certain family and medical reasons. This includes a closure of a business or "plant shutdown" if an employee needs time off for a serious illness, to care for a family member, or for the birth or adoption of a child. Under the FMLA, if an employee is forced to take unpaid leave due to the closure of a business, they are protected from being terminated or laid off. If the business reopens or an employee is offered a comparable job with the same employer, the employee must be rehired into either the former or an equivalent position. Furthermore, the employee will be credited for the time they missed while on leave. While the FMLA provides job protection for those affected by the closure of a business, it does not guarantee that an employee will be paid during the period of leave taken. Additionally, employees must meet certain eligibility requirements in order to qualify for the protections provided by the FMLA. Overall, the FMLA does provide job protection for employees affected by the closure of a business. It is important for employees to familiarize themselves with the requirements of the FMLA and evaluate their eligibility in order to take advantage of the protections it provides.

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