Does the FMLA cover absences due to severe weather or natural disasters?
Yes, the Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA) covers absences due to severe weather or natural disasters in Wisconsin. The FMLA allows eligible employees to take up to 12 weeks of unpaid, job-protected leave for certain family and medical reasons, such as a serious health condition or caring for a seriously ill family member. In Wisconsin, the FMLA also covers absences related to severe weather and natural disasters. For instance, if an employee is unable to work due to a severe weather or natural disaster event, he or she may be eligible for leave under the FMLA. This would include events such as floods, hurricanes, blizzards, tornadoes, and wildfires. However, an employee would need to meet the eligibility requirements for the FMLA, such as having worked for the same employer for at least 12 months and having worked at least 1,250 hours in the past 12 months. Employees who do qualify for FMLA leave due to a severe weather or natural disaster are entitled to 12 weeks of unpaid, job-protected leave to deal with the event. This means that the employer is legally required to restore the employee to the same or an equivalent position upon returning from the leave, and may not use the leave as a reason to terminate or demote the employee.
Related FAQs
Can I take FMLA leave to care for a family member with a serious health condition?Does my employer have to provide me with a guarantee that I will get the same or equivalent job after my FMLA leave?
Is an employee required to pay for health benefits while on FMLA leave?
Is an employee responsible for any costs associated with returning to work after FMLA leave?
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How many days of leave am I entitled to under the FMLA?
Are employers required to grant intermittent or reduced schedule FMLA leave?
Can I receive compensation for wages or benefits lost due to FMLA violations?
Does my employer have to keep my job open while I'm on FMLA leave?
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