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Balancing Work and Family: How the FMLA Protects Your Rights

No Company is Too Big to Play Fair.
Female employee who was just fired
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In the pursuit of a fulfilling career, many individuals often find themselves caught in the delicate act of balancing work and family life. This endeavor can prove challenging, especially when circumstances such as an unforeseen illness or childbirth arise. However, employees should know they are protected under the Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA).

Defining the FMLA

Enacted in 1993, the Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA) is a pivotal U.S. labor law that safeguards your rights as an employee. The FMLA provides you with up to 12 weeks of job-secured, unpaid leave each year during certain personal or family health crises, ensuring that your career remains protected. The FMLA is designed to balance your professional obligations and personal responsibilities, allowing you to take reasonable, unpaid leave for specified family and health-related reasons. This law reinforces your rights and attempts to foster work-life balance.

Qualifying reasons for FMLA leave include the birth and care of the newborn child of the employee, placement with the employee of a child for adoption or foster care, care for an immediate family member (spouse, child, or parent) with a serious health condition, or taking medical leave when the employee is unable to work due to a serious health condition. The FMLA also permits eligible employees to take leave for specified reasons relating to an active duty service member or to care for a covered service member with a serious injury or illness.

Despite the FMLA being a federal law, many employees are either unaware of their rights under the FMLA or are hesitant to exercise them. This hesitation often stems from fear of retaliation from employers. However, the FMLA explicitly prohibits employers from interfering with, restraining, or denying the exercise of any rights the act provides.

Nichols Kaster PLLP is Ready to Help

If you believe your rights under the FMLA have been violated, it is important to seek legal assistance immediately. Nichols Kaster PLLP is committed to advocating for employees' rights and ensuring justice and fairness in the workplace. We possess the expertise and experience necessary to navigate the complexities of employment law efficiently and effectively.

We understand the importance of your career and the need to maintain a harmonious work-life balance. This understanding drives our commitment to ensuring that you are treated fairly and that your rights under the FMLA are respected. If you're facing retaliation for exercising your FMLA rights or if your employer has denied your rightful leave, we are here to help. Contact us online or by phone. (877) 344-4628 The Nichols Kaster PLLP of seasoned professionals stands ready to review your case.