This edition of "Know Your Rights" focuses on the Family Medical Leave Act (FMLA) of 1993 which entitles eligible employees to take up to 12 weeks of unpaid, job-protected leave in a 12-month period for specified family and medical reasons. The employer may use the calenedar year, a fixed 12-month leave or fiscal year, or a 12-month period prior to or after the commencement of leave as the 12-month period.

EMPLOYER COVERAGE:
FMLA applies to all:
public agencies, including state, local and federal employers, local education agencies (schools), and private-sector employers who employed 50 or more employees in 20 or more workweeks in the current or preceding calendar year and who are engaged in commerce or in any industry or activity affecting commerce.

EMPLOYEE ELIGIBILITY:
To be eligible for FMLA benefits, an employee must:
work for a covered employer; have worked for the employer for a total of 12 months; have worked at least 1,250 hours over the previous 12 months; and work at a location in the United States or in any territory or possession of the United States where at least 50 employees are employed by the employer within 75 miles.

Individuals who believe they are eligible but have been denied leave under the Family Medical Leave Act, should contact an attorney as soon as possible. NOTE: The time limitation for filing a complaint under the Family Medical Leave Act is two (2) years from the date of the alleged violation.

KNOW YOUR RIGHTS!

Prepared by the Mississippi Workers' Center for Human Rights Training Component.

FOR MORE INFORMATION CALL: 662-334-1122
Jaribu Hill

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