Does the FMLA cover absences due to severe weather or natural disasters?
The Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA) covers absences due to severe weather or natural disasters in California. The FMLA guarantees employees up to 12 workweeks of leave per year for a variety of absences. This includes severe weather or natural disasters that require the employee or an immediate family member’s absence from work. In the case of natural disasters, such as wildfires or earthquakes, an employee may be able to take up to two weeks of FMLA leave to deal with the aftermath. This includes additional time to recover or relocate, as long as the employee meets the FMLA’s eligibility criteria. Additionally, employees who are unable to attend work due to severe weather conditions, such as hurricanes or floods, may be able to take up to four days of FMLA leave. During this period, the employee’s employer must continue to provide benefits and maintain job security while the employee is away. Finally, if an employee is unable to attend work due to a natural disaster, their employer can allow a leave of absence to care for the employee or an immediate family member who is affected by the natural disaster. The FMLA allows for up to 12 weeks of continuous leave in cases such as this. Overall, the FMLA does provide protection in the event of absences due to severe weather or natural disasters. It allows employees to take up to 12 workweeks of leave in the states of California and entitles them to their benefits and job security while they are away.
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