How many weeks of unpaid, job-protected leave can be granted under FMLA?

Under the Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA), eligible employees are entitled to a maximum of 12 weeks of unpaid, job-protected leave within a 12-month period. This leave can be utilized for various reasons, including the birth and care of a newborn, adoption of a child, care for an immediate family member with a serious health condition, or for the employee's own serious health condition that makes them unable to perform their job.

The significance of this provision is that it ensures job security while allowing employees to address critical personal and family health issues without the risk of losing their employment. The duration of 12 weeks strikes a balance between providing sufficient time for recovery or care and maintaining operational continuity for employers. This framework helps support workforce stability and employee well-being, making it an essential component of workplace rights and protections in the United States.