What rights does the Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA) grant employees?

The Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA) primarily grants employees the right to take unpaid leave for specific family or medical reasons. This law allows eligible employees to take up to 12 weeks of unpaid leave within a 12-month period for situations such as the birth and care of a newborn, adoption of a child, or a serious health condition affecting the employee or a family member. The core purpose of the FMLA is to provide employees with the necessary time to handle significant personal and family matters without the fear of losing their job.

While other rights that might seem relevant, such as paid maternity leave, job security during layoffs, or flexible work hours, are not covered under the FMLA. The law does not mandate that leave be paid, and it does not address employment conditions related to layoffs or flexible scheduling. Therefore, understanding the specific scope of the FMLA is crucial, as it distinctly focuses on providing unpaid leave while ensuring that employees can return to their jobs or equivalent positions after their leave ends.