The Family Medical Leave Act (FMLA) was hailed as a revolution in the workplace. Before the FMLA, women received no protection if they got pregnant. Their employer could fire them, deny them promotions, or take any other of series of actions based on her pregnancy. The FMLA clarified that being pregnant is a protected status and employers are not permitted to punish employees for becoming pregnant. This post will go over the FMLA and how it protects you.
The FMLA recognizes that sometimes family members get very sick or you become pregnant, and you need a temporary break from work. The FMLA allows you, if you are eligible, to take up to 12 weeks of unpaid leave (in a 12-month period). The FMLA also requires your employer to keep your position available to you when you return. It also does not allow your employer to punish you for taking an extended, unpaid leave.
To take leave under the FMLA, it must be for medical or family reasons, enumerated in the statute. The FMLA is enforced by the Department of Labor in the Employment Standards Administration, Wage and Hour Division.
If you believe you or a coworker was fired in violation of the FMLA, then you may want to contact an attorney ? you could have an actionable claim for employment discrimination. The FMLA requires employers to treat you fairly, including when you get pregnant. Your employer is not permitted to practice pregnancy discrimination. Unfortunately, it still happens which means that the only person who will enforce your rights is you. A lawyer can help ensure that your rights are respected and that you receive fair compensation for your injuries.
