Which Act requires that an 'eligible' employee must be granted up to twelve weeks of unpaid leave during any twelve-month period for childbirth or adoption, care for a spouse, child or parent with a serious health condition, or the employee's own health condition?

• A. Employee Polygraph Protection Act
• B. Family Medical Leave Act
• C. Norris-LaGuardia Act
• D. Fair Labor Standards Act

Answer: (B)

The Family Medical Leave Act provides eligible workers with up to 12 weeks of unpaid, job-protected leave in a 12-month period for specific family and medical reasons. This includes the birth or adoption of a child, or to care for a spouse, child, or parent with a serious health condition, as well as for the employee’s own serious health condition. While on leave, the employee’s job is protected and health benefits must be maintained. When the leave ends, the employee must be restored to the same or an equivalent position. Note that eligibility depends on certain criteria such as employer size and the employee’s tenure and hours worked. The other acts mentioned cover different topics (for example, prohibiting certain employer practices, or setting wage and overtime standards) and do not provide this type of family/medical leave.