DOL Guidance on FMLA Leave

The U.S. Department of Labor released an informative PowerPoint presentation on the Family and Medical Leave Act. The presentation addresses:

• Introduction to the FMLA
• Family Relationships under the FMLA
• FMLA-Protected Leave Reasons
• Taking FMLA Leave
• Administering FMLA Leave
• Employee Rights
• Helpful Resources

The Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA) provides up to 12 workweeks of leave each leave year to eligible employees for family and medical reasons. For care for a covered military member with a serious injury or illness, up to 26 workweeks of leave in a single leave year is available. During FMLA leave, continuation of group health benefits must be provided under the same conditions as if the employee did not use leave. At the end of the leave period, the employee must be reinstated to the same or a virtually identical job. The FMLA applies to private sector employers with 50 or more employees, all public agencies and all public and private elementary and secondary schools.

To be eligible for FMLA leave, at the time the employee’s FMLA leave will start, the employee must work for a covered employer, work at a worksite where the employer employs at least 50 employees within 75 miles, has worked for the employer in total at least 12 months, and during the previous 12 months, worked at least 1,250 hours.

FMLA leave may be used for

• The birth of a child or placement of a child for adoption or foster care, and to bond with a newborn or newly-placed child
• To care for a covered family member with a serious health condition
• The employee’s own serious health condition

For specific guidance on the FMLA, refer to the new PowerPoint presentation by clicking here.