What is the Family and Medical Leave Act?

The Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA) is a law that was enacted in Washington by the federal government in 1993. It provides eligible employees with up to 12 weeks of unpaid leave for certain family and medical reasons, such as a serious health condition, the birth or adoption of a child, or to attend to military family needs. The FMLA has many important features. It requires employers to keep employees’ health benefits intact while they are on leave. It also gives employees the right to return to the same job or an equivalent job, meaning one with similar pay, benefits, and other terms and conditions. Employees cannot be discriminated against or fired for taking FMLA leave, and employers must continue to allow employees to exercise their rights under the FMLA. The FMLA applies to employers in Washington with 50 or more employees who have worked for the employer for at least 12 months. Employees who meet these requirements are also eligible for FMLA leave if they have worked at least 1,250 hours during the 12-month period immediately prior to their leave. Overall, the FMLA is an important law that provides access to unpaid leave for eligible employees in Washington for certain family and medical reasons. It protects employees’ right to job security and benefits while taking leave, and ensures that employers cannot discriminate or fire employees for taking FMLA leave.

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What is the Family and Medical Leave Act?

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