FAMILY MEDICAL LEAVE ACT
Drafted by the National Partnership and signed by President Clinton in 1993. The Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA) is the nation’s first national law designed to help Americans meet the dual demands of work and family, so working people can take the time off they need while keeping their job and health insurance.
WHAT IS THE LAW?
An employer must grant an eligible employee up to a total of 12 work weeks of unpaid, job-protected leave in a 12 month period for one or more of the following reasons:
- birth of a child/to bond with the newborn child
- for the placement with the employee of a child for adoptions or foster care to bond with the child
- to care for an immediate family member (excluding in-laws)
- to take medical leave for self when the employee is unable to work due to a serious medical condition
- for qualifying exigencies arising out of the fact that the employees spouse, child or parent is on covered active duty status as a member of the national guard, reserves, or regular armed forces