No matter what employer people choose to work for, they have rights. Not only do employers need to respect their employees and not discriminate against them in any way, in some cases they also need to grant them FMLA leave when they request it. This is something that employers should take seriously, as an employee can file a claim if they are not granted leave, but also because their reason for requesting the leave might actually be valid.
The following are common reasons people take FMLA leave:
- Employee has a serious medical condition.
- Employee will be giving birth and caring for a newborn child.
- Employee will be caring for a child, spouse or parent who is suffering from a serious medical condition.
- The employee has an adopted child or foster child placed with them.
In certain situations, when people decide that they need to take a leave from work, their employers may not necessarily be happy about this and may try to refuse them leave. This is illegal, and if an employer refuses an employee FMLA leave, then the employee may be able to file a claim. With the reason the employee needs to take leave obviously being important, employers should be understanding and grant leave when it is requested.
Those who have requested FMLA leave and have been refused by their employer may want to contact an attorney. Whether you are taking time off to care for yourself, your child, spouse or your parents, your employer should not deny you that right. An attorney may be able to help you with your case and answer any questions you may have about the Family Medical Leave Act.
