What does the Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA) provide eligible employees?

The Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA) provides eligible employees with up to 12 workweeks of unpaid leave for specific family and medical reasons. This includes situations such as the birth or adoption of a child, caring for a spouse, child, or parent with a serious health condition, or when an employee is unable to work due to their own serious health condition.

The unpaid leave is designed to ensure that employees can manage significant personal or family health issues without the fear of losing their job or health benefits. While some employers may choose to offer paid leave or supplement the unpaid leave with any available paid time off, the FMLA itself does not mandate that the leave be paid. Instead, it focuses on job protection and the right of eligible employees to take the time needed for their family or medical needs.