Can I be fired for taking FMLA leave?

Can I be fired for taking FMLA leave?

Employers cannot fire employees for requesting or taking FMLA leave. Generally speaking, however, an employer can still terminate an employee, even while he or she is on leave or just returned, as long as the rationale for the termination was completely unrelated to the FMLA leave.

Can a company Count FMLA leave as no fault?

An employee’s use of FMLA leave cannot be counted against the employee under a “no-fault” attendance policy. Employers are also required to continue group health insurance coverage for an employee on FMLA leave under the same terms and conditions as if the employee had not taken leave.

When does an employer have to notify an employee of FMLA?

Under the regulations, an employer must notify an employee whether leave will be designated as FMLA leave within five business days of learning that the leave is being taken for a FMLA-qualifying reason, absent extenuating circumstances.

How does FMLA affect health insurance for employees?

Employers are also required to continue group health insurance coverage for an employee on FMLA leave under the same terms and conditions as if the employee had not taken leave. See Fact Sheet 28A : Employee Protections under the Family and Medical Leave Act .

Can a employer designate an absence as FMLA leave?

Simply put, the court’s reasoning is contrary to the common understanding that employers designate an absence as FMLA leave whenever it is taken for an FMLA-qualifying reason, regardless of what the employee might want. There are good reasons for designating these absences as FMLA leave: It actually avoids administrative nightmares for employers.

What happens if you don’t know about the FMLA?

Failure to train managers on recognizing when the FMLA may apply can place employers in legal trouble. The employer’s duty to employees may even extend as far as letting an employee know that the FMLA may apply. In Lichtenstein v.

Under the regulations, an employer must notify an employee whether leave will be designated as FMLA leave within five business days of learning that the leave is being taken for a FMLA-qualifying reason, absent extenuating circumstances.

How do I request FMLA leave from my employer?

The Employee’s Guide to the Family and Medical Leave Act 7 How Do I Request FMLA Leave? To take FMLA leave, you must provide your employer with appropriate notice. If you know in advance that you will need FMLA leave (for example, if you are planning to have surgery or you are pregnant), you must give your employer at least 30 days advance

What can I do if my employer violates the FMLA?

An employee is able to bring civil actions for violating FMLA. FMLA does not supersede any state or local laws or collective bargaining agreements that offer more relevant rights, including discrimination and family or medical leave rights. If the employer violates FMLA rights, remedies for the employee may include the following: