Houston, Texas Employee Rights Under the Family and Medical Leave Act The Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA) is a federal law that provides certain employees with the right to take unpaid, job-protected leave for specific family and medical reasons, while ensuring their continued access to health insurance benefits. In Houston, Texas, employees are entitled to the rights and protections outlined in the FMLA. Under the FMLA, eligible employees in Houston, Texas can take up to 12 weeks of unpaid leave within a 12-month period for specific reasons, which include: 1. Family Care: Houston employees can take FMLA leaves to care for their newborn child, newly adopted or foster child, or to care for their spouse, child, or parent with a serious health condition. 2. Serious Health Condition: Employees in Houston can take FMLA leave if they have a serious health condition that makes them incapable of performing their job duties or if they require ongoing medical treatment or hospitalization. 3. Military Family Leave: Houston employees may be eligible for up to 26 weeks of leave to care for a family member who is a current service member experiencing a serious injury or illness. It's important to note that not all employees in Houston, Texas are eligible for FMLA protections. To be eligible, an employee must have worked for their employer for at least 12 months, have worked at least 1,250 hours during the previous 12 months, and work for an employer with 50 or more employees within a 75-mile radius. When taking FMLA leave, Houston employees have the right to maintain their group health insurance coverage during the leave period, and employers must reinstate them to the same or an equivalent position upon their return. Additionally, employers cannot retaliate against employees who exercise their rights under the FMLA. Houston, Texas employees who believe their rights under the FMLA have been violated have the right to file a complaint with the Wage and Hour Division of the U.S. Department of Labor. The Department of Labor will investigate the complaint and, if violations are found, may take action to ensure employees receive the benefits and protections they are entitled to. In summary, Houston, Texas employees have important rights under the Family and Medical Leave Act. Whether it's for family care, a serious health condition, or military family leave, eligible employees can take up to 12 weeks of unpaid leave without the fear of losing their job or health insurance benefits. Employers must adhere to these laws to protect their employees' rights and avoid potential legal consequences.
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.