The Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA)

The Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA) is a U.S. law that allows eligible employees to take up to 12 weeks of unpaid leave each year for specific family and medical reasons. These can include the birth or adoption of a child, caring for a seriously ill family member, or dealing with one’s own serious health condition. Employees are protected from losing their job during this time and can return to the same or an equivalent position afterward. To qualify, employees must work for a covered employer and meet certain criteria regarding hours worked.