Whenever a family member becomes seriously injured or ill, many people want to take time off of work to be with that family member. However, some employees fear that if they miss a few days of work to be with their family during this time of need, their employer will retaliate against them. Luckily in New Jersey, the Family Medical Leave Act allows certain eligible employees to take a leave of absence to care for their family member.
This legislation only applies in situations where the employee’s immediate family member requires continuous and frequent care, or is currently seeking inpatient treatment. The other possible scenario in which a person could take time off if they or their spouse gives birth to or adopts a child.
In order to be considered eligible to take time off under the Family Medical Leave Act, you must have worked at your place of employment for at least one year and must have worked 1,250 hours throughout the course of that year. Your employer must also be covered under the Act. In order for an employer to be covered, they must have at least 50 employees for 20 weeks of the year, be a government agency, or a school.
It is important to be aware that although you are permitted to take leave for up to 12 weeks without fear of losing your job, the time you take off is unpaid. If you have questions regarding your employment rights under the New Jersey Family Medical Leave Act, contact an experienced attorney today.
The law firm of Mattleman, Weinroth & Miller, P.C., is composed of experienced attorneys throughout the states of New Jersey and Delaware. Please contact the office for a free initial consultation and get any questions answered regarding your specific case.