Key Point 8-15. The federal Family and Medical Leave Act requires employers with 50 or more employees and engaged in interstate commerce to allow employees up to 12 weeks of unpaid leave each year on account of certain medical and family needs. There is no exemption for religious organizations.
A. In General—the "Leave" Requirement
The Family and Medical Leave Act[121] 29 U.S.C. § 2601 et seq. requires every employer that is "engaged in commerce or in any industry or activity affecting commerce that employs 50 or more employees" to grant eligible employees up to 12 workweeks of unpaid leave during any 12-month period in any one or more of the following situations:
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