the Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA)

Instituted in 1993, the Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA) mandates guaranteed time off work for illness, to care for family illnesses, and for childbearing and childrearing. It allows 12 weeks paid or unpaid leave and applies to employees who work for companies with >50 employees and who work >20 hours per week (must have worked 1 full year, at least 1250 hours, to be eligible) – companies must continue benefits (health care, seniority) & return employee to previous or equal position. (Zinn, 2000; US Department of Labor)