Hennepin County, Minnesota Employee Rights Under the Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA) The Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA) is a federal law that provides eligible employees with the right to take unpaid, job-protected leave for certain family and medical reasons. This law applies to employers who have 50 or more employees within a 75-mile radius, including many employers in Hennepin County, Minnesota. Hennepin County employees are entitled to the same rights and protections outlined in the FMLA. The following are some key aspects of Hennepin Minnesota Employee Rights Under the Family and Medical Leave Act: 1. Eligibility: To qualify for FMLA leave, employees in Hennepin County must have worked for their employer for at least 12 months and have completed 1,250 hours of service during the previous 12-month period. Public agency employees, including those in Hennepin County government, are eligible for FMLA leave regardless of the number of employees. 2. Reasons for Leave: Employees in Hennepin County can take FMLA leaves for various reasons, including the birth or adoption of a child, to care for a seriously ill family member, or for their own serious health condition. Serious health conditions may include conditions requiring inpatient care or ongoing treatment by a healthcare provider. 3. Amount of Leave: Eligible Hennepin County employees can take up to 12 weeks of unpaid leave during a 12-month period for FMLA-qualifying reasons. However, in certain circumstances, such as to care for a covered service member with a serious injury or illness, eligible employees may take up to 26 weeks of leave. 4. Job Protection: During FMLA leave, employees in Hennepin County are entitled to maintain their health insurance coverage under the same terms as if they were actively working. Upon returning from leave, employees generally have the right to be restored to their same or an equivalent position with the same benefits, pay, and terms of employment. It's important to note that specific employee rights under the Family and Medical Leave Act in Hennepin County, Minnesota may vary slightly depending on the employer and any applicable collective bargaining agreements. Every employee should review their employer's policies and consult with their human resources department for the most accurate information regarding their rights and responsibilities. Overall, the FMLA provides vital protections for eligible Hennepin County employees who need time off for family or medical reasons. It supports work-life balance and ensures employees can take care of themselves and their loved ones without fear of losing their jobs or health insurance coverage. Understanding your rights under this law is imperative to ensure you receive the benefits and protections you deserve as an employee in Hennepin County, Minnesota.