Detailing the Family and Medical Leave Act

Like most other working professionals in Phoenix, you likely take great pride in your professionalism and dedication to your career. Part of that includes consistent work attendance (even during those times when you may not felt 100%).

Still, you are human, and thus subject to illness and injury like everyone else. Plus you have your family life, which could include growing your family through childbirth and adoption. All of these could require you to take time away from work. The question then becomes what rights do you have when it comes to medical leave. Here at the Foster Law Group, many professionals who fear their time away cost them their jobs have asked us this very question.

Understanding FMLA

The Family and Medical Leave Act is a federal law that offers you protection when a medical situation necessitates that you take time off. According to the U.S. Department of Labor, under FMLA, you can take up to 12 weeks of unpaid leave every year for any of the following reasons:

•       The birth and care of a child

•       The adoption of a child (or the placement of a child in your home for foster care)

•       To treat and recover from a serious medical condition

•       To care for an immediate family member suffering from a serious medical condition

When you are ready to return to work, your employer must either allow you to return to your same position or to a job with similar responsibilities (and a similar salary).

Qualifying for leave under FMLA

To qualify for medical leave, you must work for a company that employs at least 50 employees, and you must have worked for your employer for at least 12 months (having worked at least 1,250 hours during that period).

You can find more information on employee rights throughout our site.