From: Benefits
The federal Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA), located at 29 U.S.C. § 2601 et seq., allows employees to balance their work and family life by taking reasonable unpaid leave for certain family and medical reasons. The FMLA seeks to accomplish these purposes in a manner that accommodates the legitimate interests of employers and minimizes the potential for employment discrimination on the basis of gender while promoting equal employment opportunity for men and women.
The FMLA entitles eligible employees to take up to 12 weeks of unpaid, job-protected leave in a 12-month period for specified family and medical reasons. In determining the 12-month period, employers may elect to use the calendar year, a fixed 12-month leave or fiscal year, or a 12-month period prior to or after the commencement of leave.
The act contains provisions on the following:
- Employer coverage.
- Employee eligibility for the law’s benefits.
- Entitlement to leave, maintenance of health benefits during leave, and job restoration after leave.
- Notice and certification of the need for FMLA leave.
- Protection for employees who request or take FMLA leave.
The act also requires employers to keep certain records.
