The Family Medical Leave Act (FMLA) is federal legislation that allows eligible employees to take a leave of absence for illness, to provide care for sick family members, and to address other health-related situations. Under this law, employees are guaranteed up to 12 work weeks of protected and unpaid leave for a period of one year when they have qualifying medical or family needs. To be covered for FMLA leave, you must have worked at least 1250 hour in the past 12 months and work for an employer with 50 or more employees.

Upon a return from FMLA leave an employee must be restored to his or her original job, or to an equivalent job with equivalent pay, benefits, and other employment terms and conditions. In addition, an employer cannot negatively take into account an employee’s use of FMLA time in an employer’s decision concerning the employee with regards to termination, demotion, pay raises, etc. Many issues regarding leaves of absence require thorough analysis of the job position, medical condition, and legal rights to determine the best course of action. If you need further information regarding FMLA leave, then call the Law Office of Nnamdi S. Jackson today.