Family Medical Leave Act (FMLA) California Requirements

The Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA) is a federal law that provides eligible employees with up to 12 weeks of unpaid, job-protected leave each year. In California, the act is complemented by the California Family Rights Act (CFRA) and California’s Pregnancy Disability Leave, offering additional protections and benefits to workers in the state.

What Does the FMLA Cover in California?

FMLA California requirements, combined with the CFRA, cover:

Birth and Care of a Newborn Child of the Employee

This provision of the FMLA allows parents to take time off following the birth of their child. It recognizes the importance of bonding time between parents and their newborn, as well as the physical recovery needs of the birthing parent. This leave can be taken all at once or intermittently, depending on the employer’s policy and the needs of the family.

Placement with the Employee of a Child for Adoption or Foster Care

Adopting or fostering a child is a significant life event that requires adjustments and bonding time. FMLA acknowledges this by offering leave to parents during the initial placement period. This allows parents to attend necessary appointments, court dates, and other placement-related events, as well as to bond with the newly placed child. It’s important to note that this leave is available for each adoption or foster placement event.

Care for an Immediate Family Member (Spouse, Child, or Parent) with a Serious Health Condition

Family comes first, and FMLA provides leave for employees who need to care for an immediate family member with a serious health condition. This could involve situations where the family member is hospitalized, requires ongoing medical treatment, or needs home care. The “serious health condition” typically means an illness, injury, impairment, or physical or mental condition that involves inpatient care or continuing treatment by a healthcare provider.

Medical Leave When the Employee is Unable to Work Due to Their Serious Health Condition

There are times when an employee might face a health condition that prevents them from performing their job. FMLA ensures that they can take the necessary time off to seek treatment and recover without the fear of losing their job. This leave is meant to cover conditions that are more than just a minor illness, requiring multiple treatments or an extended period of recuperation.

California’s Pregnancy Disability Leave

Unique to California, Pregnancy Disability Leave (PDL) gives women the right to take up to 4 months of job-protected leave for disabilities caused by pregnancy, childbirth, or related medical conditions. This is in addition to any leave taken under the standard FMLA provisions.

For instance, after receiving PDL, a new mother can still utilize the FMLA leave to bond with her newborn. It ensures that women have ample time to recover and adjust to their new parenting responsibilities without jeopardizing their employment status.

What Qualifies for FMLA Leave in California?

To be eligible for FMLA in California:

• You must have worked for your employer for at least 12 months;
• You must have worked at least 1,250 hours during the 12 months prior to the leave;
• Your employer must employ 50 or more people within a 75-mile radius of your workplace.

How Do I Tell My Boss About Taking FMLA?

Informing your boss about FMLA requires:

Providing a 30-Day Advance Notice When the Leave is Foreseeable

When an employee is aware of an upcoming event or situation that qualifies for FMLA leave, such as a planned surgery or the expected birth of a child, notify the employer at least 30 days in advance. This notice period allows the employer to make necessary arrangements, such as finding temporary replacements or redistributing workload. Proper communication ensures a smoother transition for both the employee and the employer, minimizing disruptions in the workflow.

In Emergencies, Informing as Soon as Possible

Life is unpredictable, and sometimes emergencies arise without warning. In such cases, the 30-day advance notice might not be possible. For sudden illnesses, accidents, or other unforeseen circumstances that qualify for FMLA leave, employees should inform their employer as promptly as possible.

Typically, this would mean within one or two business days of learning about the need for leave. Quick communication helps employers adjust to sudden absences and ensures that employees can focus on the emergency without added workplace concerns.

Sharing Relevant Information About the Leave

When notifying an employer about the need for FMLA leave, provide enough information so that the employer can determine if the leave might qualify under FMLA. This means describing the reason for the leave in a way that highlights its seriousness or urgency.

For example, instead of just saying, “I’m feeling sick,” you might say, “I’ve been diagnosed with a condition that requires ongoing treatment.” It’s worth noting that while employees should be transparent, they aren’t required to specifically mention “FMLA” when taking the leave, as long as the provided information indicates that the leave could be FMLA-qualifying.

Can My Boss Ask Me About My FMLA?

Your employer can ask for:

• Certification or proof to confirm that your leave qualifies for FMLA;
• Periodic reports on your status and intention to return to work. However, they cannot delve into private medical details beyond the scope of the FMLA requirements.

What Are Some Common FMLA Legal Disputes?

Disputes often arise regarding:

• Eligibility criteria;
• Denial of FMLA when it should be granted;
• Retaliation against employees taking FMLA;
• Issues related to California’s Pregnancy Disability Leave.

How Are California FMLA Disputes Resolved?

If an issue arises, mediation offers a structured yet informal environment where both the employer and employee come together to discuss their differences and find a resolution with the help of a neutral third party. This third party is known as the mediator. The mediating process is voluntary and is often sought as a first step before escalating matters to court. Mediation can be less confrontational and more cost-effective than litigation. It emphasizes open communication and mutual understanding, with the primary goal being a solution that both parties can agree upon.

Filing a Private Lawsuit in a Federal Court

If an employee believes their FMLA rights have been violated and mediation doesn’t yield a satisfactory outcome, they can escalate the matter by filing a private lawsuit in a federal court with the help of a California attorney. This legal action seeks to address and rectify any wrongs the employee feels they have suffered.

Before heading to court, be aware that this process can be time-consuming, expensive, and requires the presentation of substantial evidence. An employee might seek compensation for lost wages, benefits, or other damages resulting from the alleged FMLA violation.

Resolving Claims Through the Department of Fair Employment and Housing (DFEH)

In California, the Department of Fair Employment and Housing (DFEH) is responsible for enforcing laws that protect citizens from employment discrimination, including violations related to family and medical leave. If an employee feels their rights have been infringed upon, they can file a complaint with the DFEH.

This state agency will then investigate the claim, which might involve reviewing documents, interviewing relevant parties, and assessing the validity of the complaint. Depending on their findings, the DFEH can offer remedies like job reinstatement, back pay, or changes in employer policies to prevent future violations.

Should I Hire a California Lawyer?

Yes. If you believe your FMLA rights have been violated or need guidance on California’s laws, hiring a California attorney is advisable.

Need advice or representation? Connect with a top-notch California employment law attorney through LegalMatch today.