What U.S. law allows employees to take unpaid, job-protected leave for family and medical reasons?

The Family Medical Leave Act of 1993 (FMLA) is the correct law that allows employees to take unpaid, job-protected leave for family and medical reasons. This federal law entitles eligible employees to take up to 12 weeks of leave during a 12-month period for specific family-related situations, such as the birth or adoption of a child or the serious health condition of the employee or a family member.

Under the FMLA, job protection means that employees can return to their same job or an equivalent position at the end of their leave, ensuring that their employment is secure while they attend to personal or family health matters. The focus of the FMLA on both family and medical needs highlights the importance of balancing work and personal responsibilities in the context of the workforce.

The other laws mentioned serve different purposes: while the Occupational Safety and Health Act (OSHA) deals with workplace safety, the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) addresses rights for individuals with disabilities, and the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA) focuses on minimum wage and overtime pay standards. Understanding the distinct functions of these laws helps clarify why the FMLA specifically deals with family and medical leave.