The District of Columbia Employee Rights Under the Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA) ensure that eligible employees are entitled to take unpaid, job-protected leave for specified family and medical reasons. These rights help employees balance work and family responsibilities without fearing the loss of employment. The FMLA applies to all public agencies, including the government of the District of Columbia, and private-sector employers who employ 50 or more employees within a 75-mile radius. It allows eligible employees in the District of Columbia to take up to 12 weeks of unpaid leave in a 12-month period for various reasons. Key aspects and types of District of Columbia Employee Rights Under the Family and Medical Leave Act: 1. Eligibility: To be eligible for FMLA leave in the District of Columbia, an employee must have worked for their employer for at least 12 months, have worked at least 1,000 hours within the previous 12 months, and work for an eligible employer as mentioned above. 2. Reasons for Leave: Under the District of Columbia Employee Rights Under the FMLA, employees can take leave for specific reasons, including: — The birth, adoption, or foster care placement of a child. — To care for a spouse, child, or parent with a serious health condition. — When the employee themselves has a serious health condition that makes them unable to perform their job. 3. Job Protection: The FMLA provides job protection to eligible employees in the District of Columbia, meaning they have the right to return to their position or an equivalent job after their leave ends. Employers cannot retaliate against employees for taking FMLA leave or interfere with their exercise of these rights. 4. Responsibilities: District of Columbia employers covered by the FMLA have certain responsibilities, such as notifying employees about their rights and providing them with necessary information. Employers must also maintain employee benefits during the leave and restore the employee's health insurance upon their return from FMLA leave. 5. Intermittent Leave: The District of Columbia Employee Rights Under the FMLA allow eligible employees to take leave in blocks of time or even on an intermittent basis when medically necessary. This flexibility is beneficial for individuals with chronic health conditions or for the care of family members. By understanding the specific District of Columbia Employee Rights Under the Family and Medical Leave Act, employees can confidently request leave when needed, knowing that their jobs are protected. Employers must educate themselves about these rights to ensure compliance and fair treatment of their employees.