Index

Family and Medical Leave Act of 1993 (FMLA)

Summary

Requires covered employers to provide eligible employees with job-protected, unpaid leave for qualified medical and family reasons.

Rights & Rules

  • 01.
    Eligible employees (at businesses with 50 or more employees) can take up to 12 workweeks of unpaid, job-protected leave in a 12-month period for specified family and medical reasons.
  • 02.
    Employees maintain their group health benefits during FMLA leave.
  • 03.
    Upon return from FMLA leave, employees are entitled to be restored to their original job or an equivalent job with equivalent pay, benefits, and other employment terms.

Penalties

  • 01.
    Employer liability for lost wages, benefits, and other monetary losses suffered by the employee due to the violation.
  • 02.
    Liquidated damages (an additional amount equal to the actual damages).
  • 03.
    Interest on the award.
  • 04.
    Attorney's fees and court costs.

Verified Citations

U.S. Department of Labor - Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA)

Source
"The FMLA entitles eligible employees of covered employers to take unpaid, job-protected leave for specified family and medical reasons with continuation of group health insurance coverage under the same terms and conditions as if the employee had not been on leave."