Do employers have to grant FMLA leave for the birth or adoption of a child?

In Washington, employers must provide leave for the birth or adoption of a child as part of the Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA). Under the FMLA, eligible employees are entitled to take up to twelve weeks of unpaid leave for their own serious medical condition, for the birth or adoption of a child, for the care of a close family member with a serious health condition, or for certain military reasons. In the case of birth or adoption of a child, employees are entitled to take up to twelve weeks of unpaid leave in any twelve-month period. During the leave, employers must continue providing group health insurance coverage for the employee under the same terms as if the employee had continued to work. In addition, employers must restore the employee to the same or an equivalent position following the leave. Employers should be aware that there are certain requirements that must be met in order for an employee to qualify for FMLA leave in Washington. For example, the employee must have worked at least 1,250 hours in the twelve-month period prior to the start of the leave and must work for the same employer or joint employers for at least 12 months. In summary, employers in Washington must provide up to twelve weeks of unpaid leave to eligible employees for the birth or adoption of a child in accordance with the terms of the FMLA. Employers should ensure that all requirements for FMLA leave are met and that employees are aware of their rights and obligations under the law.

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