Leaves of Absence/Family Medical Leave Act (FMLA)

The Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA)  is a federal law allowing eligible employees to take up to 12 weeks of unpaid leave in a 12-month period for personal medical reasons or to care for a family member.

When an employee returns from FMLA leave, an employer is required in many circumstances to reinstate the employee to the position he or she held before taking leave or to a position with equivalent benefits, pay, and other terms of employment.

Employers are also prohibited from discriminating or retaliating against an employee who requests or takes FMLA leave for the following reasons:

·       Medical Leave

·       Pregnancy/Maternity Leave

·       Paternity Leave

·       Caring for a Family Member (spouse, child, or parent) with a Serious Health Condition

·       Military Leave

·       Military Caregiver Leave

 

The New Jersey Paid Sick Leave Act requires employers, to provide up to 40 hours of paid sick leave per year to covered employees.