Employees who encounter medical challenges can turn to the Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA) for support. If eligible in this federal law, they can access a maximum of 12 weeks of unpaid leave within a year to address crucial personal matters. During this period, they retain their position and health coverage.
If you are a part-time employee, you can take FMLA leave under certain circumstances.
Meeting the same eligibility criteria as full-time workers
To qualify for FMLA, part-time employees must:
- Work for a covered employer
- Have 12 months of employment with the current employer
- Accumulate at least 1,250 hours of service in the 12 months before leave
- Work at a site with at least 50 employees within a 75-mile radius
The hours requirement often poses the biggest hurdle for part-time workers, who usually serve fewer hours than full-time employees. For instance, if they work 24 hours per week, they would need to maintain that schedule for about 52 weeks to reach the 1,250-hour threshold.
Michigan, in particular, does not have its own family leave law, so part-time employees in the state must rely on the federal FMLA. If they are eligible, they can enjoy the same benefits as full-time employees.
Getting legal help when contending with FMLA issues
It is possible for part-time employees to qualify for FMLA benefits. Still, some employers may deny them these rights, disputing that this protection does not cover them.
If you have difficulties securing your FMLA benefits or believe your employer has violated your rights, it is best to get legal advice. An attorney skilled in resolving employment law issues can help ensure you have the support you need during difficult times, regardless of your part-time status.