What Is the Purpose of the FMLA?

The FMLA allows for employee medical leave.

The FMLA, or Family and Medical Leave Act, is a workplace law that was passed in 1993 and is overseen by the U.S. Department of Labor. It regulates the minimum standards for employee leave.

Effects

Under the FMLA, employees who work at larger companies, which are defined by the act as companies employing over 50 people, are eligible for up to 12 weeks of leave per 12 months, for either medical reasons or familial obligations.

Benefits

The 12 weeks of leave covers situations including childbirth, care of an adopted child, newborn care, care for an ailing spouse or relative, and medical leave due to a personal illness.

Significance

Up until the enactment of the FMLA, employers had the option of instituting their own leave times for illness and childbirth. Passing the FMLA was a move toward ensuring the safety and well-being of employees by not allowing the employers to jeopardize their workers' physical or emotional health by providing insufficient leave.

References

• enotes: Family and Medical Leave Act
• United States Department of Labor - Family and Medical Leave Act