The Family and Medical Leave Act is a federal law that provides eligible employees with up to 12 weeks of unpaid, job-protected leave per year. The government designed it to help employees balance their work and family responsibilities by allowing them to take reasonable unpaid leave for certain family and medical reasons.
Understanding how the FMLA operates and applies to you in Kentucky can ensure you benefit from these essential protections if you need to take leave.
Who qualifies for FMLA?
For you to qualify for FMLA in Kentucky, you must work for a covered employer. This includes public agencies, public and private elementary and secondary schools and companies with 50 or more employees. You also must have worked for the employer for at least 12 months and for at least 1,250 hours during the 12 months immediately preceding the leave.
What circumstances does FMLA cover?
FMLA covers several circumstances. These include the birth and care of a newborn child of the employee, placement of a child for adoption or foster care with the employer, the need to care for an immediate family member (spouse, child, or parent) with a serious health condition or to take medical leave when the employee is unable to work because of a serious health condition.
What protections does FMLA provide?
Under FMLA, you have the right to return to your job at the end of your leave. If that position is no longer available, your employer must provide you with another job that is equivalent in terms of pay, benefits and other terms and conditions of employment.
Understanding the ins and outs of the FMLA in Kentucky workplaces is important if you find yourself or a family member dealing with a situation that requires you to miss work. Knowing what rights and protections you have under this law ensures that you can take the time you need without worrying about the security of your job. As always, it is vital to have open conversations with your employer about your needs and how FMLA can help you meet them.