Does FMLA guarantee paid time off?
No. FMLA only requires covered companies to provide unpaid time off. However, the law allows employees to use accrued paid leave – such as vacation or sick leave – for some or all of the time off for FMLA leave. • Can my employer refuse to grant me FMLA leave? No, not if you are an eligible employee who has met FMLA’s notice and certification requirements and if you have not exhausted your FMLA leave entitlement for the year. • Can I lose my job if I take FMLA leave? Usually, no. According to the U.S. Department of Justice: “It is unlawful for any employer to interfere with or restrain or deny the exercise of any right provided under this law. Employers cannot use the taking of FMLA leave as a negative factor in employment actions, such as hiring, promotions or disciplinary actions; nor can FMLA leave be counted under ‘no fault’ attendance policies. Under limited circumstances, an employer may deny reinstatement to work – but not the use of FMLA leave – to certain highly-paid, key empl
