Does the FMLA cover absences due to severe weather or natural disasters?
Yes, the Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA) in Washington covers absences due to severe weather or natural disasters. According to the U.S. Department of Labor, employers in Washington are required to provide up to 12 weeks of job-protected leave when a qualified employee or their family member experiences a serious health condition, military duty, or a qualifying emergency. This includes absences due to severe weather or natural disasters. Employees may also be eligible for additional paid time off for certain family and medical situations due to the Washington Family Leave Act. The WFLA extends the FMLA leave of up to 16 weeks in total associated with the birth, adoption, or placement of a child, and up to 12 weeks in any 12 month period associated with the care of a family member or a serious health condition. It is important to note that the FMLA covers only employers with 50 or more employees in Washington. If you work for a smaller company, you may not qualify for FMLA leave. Additionally, in order to qualify for FMLA leave, the employee must have worked for the employer for at least 12 months and have at least 1,250 hours in the past year. By understanding the FMLA and its application to severe weather or natural disasters, employees and employers in Washington can take the necessary steps to ensure that all workers are protected and have access to the leave they are entitled to.
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