In Pennsylvania, employees can be entitled to time off from work under the federal Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA). Employers in every state must adhere to the federal FMLA, which grants eligible employees the ability to take unpaid leave, with an option for reinstatement under the right circumstances. Don’t get taken advantage of and contact the premier discrimination lawyers of Reading, PA to make sure you’re getting the leave you deserve.
Who Is Eligible?
Pennsylvania employers with at least 50 employees for at least 20 weeks in the current or previous year must follow the FMLA. Employees can take FMLA leave if they:
- Worked for the employer for one year or more
- Worked at least 1,250 hours last year, and
- Work at a location with 50 employees minimum within a 75-mile radius
Reasons To Take Leave
FMLA leave is available for employees to:
- Spend time with a new child
- Recover from an illness or health condition
- Care for a sick family member
- Tackle qualifying exigencies due to a family member’s military service, or
- Take care of a family member who suffered an injury during active military duty
How Much Time Can I Take?
Employees in Pennsylvania can use 12 weeks of leave in a one-year span to manage a severe health condition, bond with a newborn child or has the appropriate exigencies. This allotment renews every year.
Employees can use up to 26 weeks of leave in a one year period to care for someone in your family that was injured during active military duty. This type of leave is available per-injury, per-service member entitlement.
Leave and Reinstatement Rights
Employees can continue to use their health insurance on leave. Although FMLA leave is unpaid, employees might be able, or possibly required, to use their accrued paid leave during this time. When the FMLA leave is over, the employee is eligible for reinstatement to the same or similar position, with certain exceptions.
Now What?
If you are unsure of your eligibility for FMLA leave, speak with your manager or HR representative. Retrieve a copy of your employer’s FMLA policy and identify which forms you have to fill out.
Call the discrimination attorneys of Reading, Kozloff Stoudt Attorneys, to ensure that your employers are giving you what you deserve. Dial 610-370-6700 or continue browsing our website for more information.