What does the Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA) entitle eligible employees to?

The Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA) entitles eligible employees to take unpaid leave for specific family and medical reasons while ensuring that their job is protected during the absence. This federal law allows employees to take up to 12 weeks of unpaid leave in a 12-month period for several reasons, such as the birth and care of a newborn child, the adoption of a child, the care of a spouse, child, or parent with a serious health condition, or when the employee is unable to work due to a serious health condition.

The focus of the FMLA is on providing employees the opportunity to manage significant personal and family health-related issues without fear of losing their job. It is crucial for fostering work-life balance, but it does not guarantee paid leave or other benefits such as job training or paid maternity leave. Therefore, unpaid leave for family and medical reasons is the primary entitlement under this law.