Many individuals in Michigan and elsewhere may face a circumstance in life that prompts a need to take at least a few days off from work. This could happen for various reasons, whether due to the onset of a medical condition, a sick family member, or even to welcome a child into the family. While the Federal Medical Leave Act may protect workers who take time off work for valid reasons, this might not always prevent a person from suffering some form of retaliation.
FMLA protection
Experts indicate that the FMLA provides protection to employees under a variety of scenarios. Some of these protections may include taking time off work for the birth of a newborn child or even to welcome an adopted child into the family. This may also cover those who take time off for a major health concern or to care for a family member with a serious illness.
The FMLA may prohibit employers from taking retaliatory actions against workers in similar situations. Possible types of retaliation could involve disciplinary action for missed workdays, or even demotion or termination of one’s employment due to time off work. However, there may also be certain regulations that govern eligibility for protect under the FMLA, such as the number of hours one has worked with the company in the last 12 months.
Protecting one’s legal rights
Individuals who face retaliation at work under similar circumstances might not always understand their legal rights or know how best to protect their interests. Fortunately, there are attorneys in Michigan who can evaluate the situation thoroughly and provide a person with insight on his or her available options. An attorney can help a client understand what to expect from the process and assist in creating a plan to safeguard his or her legal rights and interests through the appropriate channels.