The Family and Medical Leave Act provides employment protection for people who need to take time off work due to certain family or medical circumstances. There are several situations which fall under this Act, and it is important that you understand your rights as an employee or your obligation as an employer. If you have questions about your company’s leave policy and wish to see if it aligns with this amendment, it is best to speak with someone in your human resources department at work and a workers compensation attorney, like from Rispoli & Borneo.
Maternity Leave
Having a child can be a wonderful blessing. However, there is a certain period of time that you must be away from work to take care of a newborn baby. Typically, you are entitled to up to 12 weeks of leave in this situation. Some companies provide paternity leave as well. There are also leave considerations for those who are having an adopted child placed in the home. This gives parents the opportunity to bond with a child and take time to come back into the workforce.
Spouse, Parent or Child’s Illness
Dealing with a sick loved one is never an easy thing, and the stress of work can add a whole layer of anxiety to your problems. The law provides for your leave if you need to take care of an immediate family member — this includes parents, children and your spouse. It is important to understand your company’s policy, though, as you are often only entitled to a certain number of weeks in the year. The weeks do not necessarily have to be consecutive.
Caring for an Injured Service Member
Families of Armed Forces members sacrifice a lot, and it is important that they are shown the appreciation and support that they deserve. One way to do this is by allowing family members of an injured service member to take leave from work without having to worry about job security. For this circumstance, more than the typical 12 weeks may be available. If you have a spouse, child or parent in the military, it is important that you know your rights when taking leave to care for them.
The Family and Medical Leave Act has helped many people deal with family obligations without the added stress of worrying about job status. If you find yourself in need of this type of coverage, it is important that you understand your company’s role. Speak with your human resources department today to find out more about your rights under this Act.