Which law mandates employers to provide unpaid leave for qualifying medical and family reasons?

The Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA) is specifically designed to ensure that eligible employees have the right to take unpaid leave for qualifying medical and family reasons. This law provides protections for employees who need time off for significant health issues, the birth or adoption of a child, or to care for a family member with a serious health condition.

Under FMLA, eligible employees can take up to 12 weeks of unpaid leave in a 12-month period without the risk of losing their job or health insurance benefits. This legislation recognizes the importance of balancing work and family responsibilities, and it helps ensure job security during periods when employees must attend to personal or family health matters.

In contrast, the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA) primarily addresses wage and hour laws, the Equal Employment Opportunity Act (EEOA) focuses on preventing employment discrimination, and the Occupational Safety and Health Act (OSHA) is concerned with workplace safety and health regulations. None of these laws specifically mandate unpaid leave for medical and family reasons, which is why they do not serve as applicable options for this question.