Cook Illinois Employee Rights Under the Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA) The Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA) is a federal law that allows eligible employees to take unpaid, job-protected leave for certain family and medical reasons. Cook Illinois, a leading transportation company, ensures that its employees are aware of their rights under the FMLA and provides them with necessary support during such leave. 1. Eligibility for FMLA Leave at Cook Illinois: To be eligible for FMLA leave at Cook Illinois, employees must meet certain criteria, including: a. Length of Employment: Employees must have worked for Cook Illinois for at least 12 months, regardless of employment status (full-time, part-time, or temporary). b. Hours Worked: Employees must have worked at least 1,250 hours during the 12-month period preceding the start of the leave. c. Reason for Leave: Eligible employees can take FMLA leaves for any of the following reasons: — The birth, adoption, or foster care placement of a child. — To care for a spouse, child, or parent with a serious health condition. — For the employee's own serious health condition. — For any qualifying exigency arising out of the fact that the employee's spouse, child, or parent is a covered military member on "covered active duty." 2. Duration and Scope of FMLA Leave: Cook Illinois employees have the right to take up to 12 weeks of unpaid leave in a 12-month period under FMLA. However, in certain cases involving military caregiver leave, the leave duration may extend to up to 26 weeks. 3. Job Protection: During FMLA leave at Cook Illinois, employees are guaranteed job protection, meaning they have the right to return to the same or an equivalent position upon their return from leave. Cook Illinois ensures that employees are not retaliated against or discriminated in any way for exercising their rights under FMLA. 4. Employee Responsibilities: Employees who intend to take FMLA leave must follow specific procedures set by Cook Illinois, including: — Providing notice to the company within the required timeframe, except in cases where emergencies prevent prior notice. — Submitting supportive documentation, such as medical certifications or adoption/foster care placement information, as requested by Cook Illinois. — Reporting the status of their leave and any changes in circumstances promptly. Different Types of Cook Illinois Employee Rights Under the FMLA: While the above description covers the general provisions of the FMLA that apply to all eligible Cook Illinois employees, there may be variations depending on specific circumstances or categories: — Cook Illinois Maternity Leave under FMLA: Cook Illinois provides maternity leave to eligible employees in compliance with the FMLA, allowing them to take up to 12 weeks of unpaid leave for the birth and care of a newborn child. — Cook Illinois Military Family Leave under FMLA: Eligible employees may take FMLA leaves for any qualifying exigency arising out of the covered active duty or impending call to covered active duty of their spouse, child, or parent who is a military member. — Cook Illinois Military Caregiver Leave under FMLA: Employees may take up to 26 weeks of unpaid leave to care for a spouse, child, parent, or next of kin who is a covered military service member with a serious illness or injury. In conclusion, Cook Illinois ensures that its employees understand and are able to exercise their rights under the Family and Medical Leave Act. By adhering to the eligibility criteria, following the necessary procedures, and taking advantage of the job protection guarantees, employees can take FMLA leaves for various family and medical reasons while maintaining their employment rights at Cook Illinois.
Para su conveniencia, debajo del texto en español le brindamos la versión completa de este formulario en inglés. For your convenience, the complete English version of this form is attached below the Spanish version.