what is fmla leave

The Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA) is a U.S. federal law that allows eligible employees of covered employers to take up to 12 weeks of unpaid, job- protected leave within a 12-month period for specific family and medical reasons. This leave can be used for events such as the birth or adoption of a child, caring for a seriously ill family member, or recovering from a serious personal health condition. During FMLA leave, the employee's job is protected, meaning they must be able to return to the same or an equivalent position with the same pay, benefits, and terms of employment. Additionally, group health insurance coverage must be maintained during the leave as if the employee continued working. To be eligible for FMLA leave, an employee must have worked for their employer for at least 12 months, have logged at least 1,250 hours of work in the past 12 months, and work at a location where the employer has at least 50 employees within a 75-mile radius. The FMLA applies to both public and private sector employers meeting these criteria. Some states may have additional family and medical leave laws that provide further protections. Employees must notify their employer in advance when possible and may be required to provide medical certification to verify the need for leave. Employers are prohibited from interfering with, denying, or retaliating against employees for exercising their FMLA rights. In summary, FMLA provides unpaid, job-protected leave for qualifying family and medical reasons, ensuring employees can address important health and family issues without fear of losing their employment