Guide to the Family and Medical Leave Act

What is the Family and Medical Leave Act?

The Family and Medical Leave Act is a fundamental piece of legislation passed by the United States Federal Government and enforced by the Wage and Hour Division of the Department of Labor. The Family and Medical Leave Act entitles eligible employees of covered or participating companies to take unpaid, job-protected leave for specified family and medical reasons. The leave permitted, must run continuously with group health insurance coverage under similar terms and conditions as if the employee had not taken leave.

What exactly are Employees entitled to under the Family and Medical Leave Act?

• The Family and Medical leave Act enables employees to take twelve workweeks of leave during a 12-month period for the following reasons:

o An employee will be permitted leave for the birth of a child and to care for the newborn child within one year of birth

o Employees are eligible under the Family and Medical Leave Act if the individual adopts a child or files for a child to be placed with foster care

o Employees are eligible under the Family and Medical Leave Act to care for their spouse, child, or parent who is stricken with a serious health condition

o The employee will be eligible for leave under the Family and Medical Act if they are diagnosed or suffer from a serious health condition. Leave will be granted if the condition impedes the employee from performing the essential work functions of their job

o Employees will be granted leave under according to the Family and Medical Act if their spouse, son, daughter, or parent is a covered service member on “covered duty” in any branch of the United States military.