Many workers who face medical obstacles or care for unwell family members may qualify for protections under the Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA). You should know that this piece of federal legislation doesn’t cover every employer or employee, though.
What benefits are workers entitled to under this act?
FMLA allows qualified workers to take up to 12 weeks of unpaid leave during any given 12-month period without having to fear losing their job. This federal legislation obligates any covered employer to reinstate you to your same or an equivalent position once your time on FMLA has elapsed.
Who does the Family and Medical Leave Act cover?
A company must employ more than 50 workers for its employees to qualify for FMLA protections. While all staff members don’t have to work at the same location, they must do so within 75 miles from their job site.
Each worker must also have held their job for at least 12 months to be covered by this act. Employees must additionally work at least 1,250 hours during the 12 months before taking leave.
Qualifying concerns under the Family and Medical Leave Act
Falling ill, suffering an injury or having a close family member, such as a parent, child or spouse that is unwell, will likely make you eligible for FMLA. You may also take FMLA if you need to take leave to prepare for childbirth or care for your infant or if you’re fostering or adopting a child. You may also qualify for protection under FMLA if you’re in the military and called up for active duty.
Most Denver professionals work hard to climb the corporate ladder to get to a specific place in their careers. FMLA exists to ensure that an employee doesn’t lose what they worked so hard for simply because they or a loved one falls ill or brings a child into their family. A business law issues for employees attorney can advise you of your rights to FMLA and other job protection benefits that exist to protect you here in Colorado.
