How Long Is FMLA in Washington State?
The Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA) is a federal law that provides eligible employees with unpaid, job-protected leave for certain family and medical reasons. However, Washington State has its own Family Leave Act (FLA), which provides additional benefits and protections for employees. In this article, we will explore how long FMLA and FLA are in Washington State, including eligibility requirements and the rights of employees. Additionally, we will address some frequently asked questions regarding FMLA and FLA in Washington State.
FMLA in Washington State:
Under the FMLA, eligible employees are entitled to take up to 12 weeks of unpaid leave in a 12-month period for specific reasons, including the birth or adoption of a child, caring for a seriously ill family member, or dealing with the employee’s own serious health condition. FMLA applies to private employers with 50 or more employees, as well as all government employers.
FLA in Washington State:
The FLA in Washington State provides additional benefits and protections to eligible employees. Under the FLA, eligible employees can take up to 12 weeks of leave in a 12-month period for similar reasons as FMLA, including the birth or adoption of a child and caring for a seriously ill family member. However, the FLA also allows employees to take leave for certain military-related reasons, such as when a family member is called to active duty or when the employee is a military caregiver. FLA applies to employers with 50 or more employees.
FMLA and FLA Combined:
In Washington State, FMLA and FLA run concurrently, meaning that an employee’s leave under FMLA and FLA will count towards the same 12-week entitlement. However, FLA provides additional coverage that goes beyond FMLA, allowing employees to take leave for military-related reasons.
Eligibility for FMLA and FLA:
To be eligible for FMLA and FLA in Washington State, employees must meet certain requirements. These include working for a covered employer, having worked for the employer for at least 12 months, and having worked at least 1,250 hours in the 12 months preceding the leave. Additionally, employees must work at a location where the employer has 50 or more employees within a 75-mile radius.
Rights of Employees:
Under FMLA and FLA, eligible employees have the right to take leave without fear of losing their job or facing retaliation. They also have the right to continue their health insurance coverage during their leave, although they may be required to pay their share of the premiums. Upon returning from leave, employees are entitled to be reinstated to the same or an equivalent position with the same pay, benefits, and terms and conditions of employment.
FAQs about FMLA and FLA in Washington State:
Q: Can I take FMLA or FLA leave to care for a family member with a serious health condition?
A: Yes, both FMLA and FLA allow eligible employees to take leave to care for a seriously ill family member, including a child, spouse, or parent.
Q: Can I take FMLA or FLA leave for my own serious health condition?
A: Yes, both FMLA and FLA provide eligible employees with the right to take leave for their own serious health condition.
Q: Can I take FMLA or FLA leave for the birth or adoption of a child?
A: Yes, eligible employees can take leave under FMLA and FLA for the birth or adoption of a child.
Q: Can I take FMLA or FLA leave for military-related reasons?
A: While FMLA only allows eligible employees to take leave for military-related reasons when a family member is called to active duty, FLA in Washington State allows employees to take leave for both military caregiver and military exigency reasons.
Q: Can I take FMLA or FLA leave intermittently?
A: Yes, eligible employees can take FMLA and FLA leave intermittently or on a reduced schedule when medically necessary or for certain qualifying reasons.
In conclusion, FMLA and FLA provide important protections for eligible employees in Washington State. While FMLA offers 12 weeks of unpaid, job-protected leave for specific family and medical reasons, FLA extends those benefits by including military-related leave. Understanding the rights and requirements of FMLA and FLA is crucial for employees seeking leave and employers seeking to comply with the law.