Do employees get holiday pay while on FMLA? This is a common question among workers who are considering taking Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA) leave. The answer to this question can vary depending on the employer’s policies and the specific circumstances of the employee’s leave. In this article, we will explore the various factors that come into play when determining whether an employee will receive holiday pay during FMLA leave.
The Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA) is a federal law that allows eligible employees to take up to 12 weeks of unpaid, job-protected leave for certain family and medical reasons. While the FMLA guarantees job protection, it does not require employers to provide paid leave. Therefore, whether an employee receives holiday pay while on FMLA depends on the employer’s policy and the type of leave being taken.
Some employers may offer paid holiday leave as part of their benefits package, even to employees on FMLA. In such cases, employees may receive holiday pay if they would have been working on the holiday. However, this is not a universal practice, and employees should check their employer’s specific policies to determine if they are eligible for holiday pay during FMLA leave.
Other employers may provide holiday pay to employees on FMLA only if they have worked a certain number of hours or met specific criteria before taking leave. For example, some companies may require employees to have been employed for a minimum of one year or to have worked a certain number of hours before becoming eligible for holiday pay during FMLA. Employees should review their employment contracts and ask their HR department for clarification on these requirements.
In some instances, employees may be able to receive holiday pay through the use of their paid time off (PTO) or vacation time. If an employee has accumulated vacation time or PTO before taking FMLA leave, they may be able to use those hours to receive holiday pay. However, this is not always the case, and employees should consult their employer’s policies to understand their options.
It is also important to note that some employers may offer a combination of paid and unpaid leave during FMLA. In such cases, employees may receive holiday pay for certain holidays, while other holidays may be unpaid. This can depend on the employer’s policy and the specific circumstances of the employee’s leave.
In conclusion, whether employees receive holiday pay while on FMLA leave is not a one-size-fits-all answer. It depends on the employer’s policies, the employee’s eligibility, and the specific circumstances of the leave. Employees should carefully review their employer’s policies and consult with their HR department to understand their rights and options regarding holiday pay during FMLA leave.
