💢⚠️ FMLA 家庭與醫療假：你有哪些權利？哪些情況雇主不能拒絕？
在美國工作，你可能聽過 FMLA（Family and Medical Leave Act），但很多移民、亞裔員工其實不太確定：
- 👉 我什麼時候可以請 FMLA？
- 👉 老闆可以拒絕嗎？
- 👉 我會不會因為請假被開除、降職或報復？
- 👉 我生病／家人生病，FMLA 能保護我嗎？
本篇將用最清楚的方式，告訴你 FMLA 的基本權利、限制、申請方法，以及如何避免報復或不公平對待。
一、什麼是 FMLA？它能保護你什麼？🏥
FMLA 是美國聯邦法，保障合資格員工每年最多 12 週的 “unpaid leave”（無薪假），且工作受到保護。
簡單來說：
- ✔️ 你可以請假（無薪）
- ✔️ 雇主「不能」把你的職位拿掉
- ✔️ 返回工作後，你要回到同等工作或類似職位
- ✔️ 不能因為你請 FMLA 而報復（降級、換爛班、找麻煩等）
二、誰有資格請 FMLA？📝
必須同時符合三個條件：
- 1️⃣ 你所在公司至少有 50 名員工（或更多）
- 2️⃣ 你已經為公司工作至少 12 個月
- 3️⃣ 過去 12 個月累積至少 1,250 個工時
⚠️ 若你在小公司（不足50人），FMLA 可能不適用。
三、什麼情況可以請 FMLA？（最常見的 5 種）✔️
- 🏥 你自己的重大醫療狀況（serious health condition）
- 🤰 懷孕、產前檢查、產假
- 🍼 新生兒照護（父母都可請）
- 👵 父母、配偶、小孩的重大疾病或手術
- 🇺🇸 軍人家庭特殊情況
只要符合這些情況，公司通常必須讓你請。
四、FMLA 的常見迷思：哪些「老闆台詞」是違法的？🚫
很多亞裔員工會聽到主管說：
- 「我們部門現在很忙，你不能請。」 ❌ 違法
- 「你要再證明你真的生病。」❌ 通常違法
- 「請假回來可能沒有位子喔。」❌ 違法威脅
- 「你懷孕會影響表現，建議你考慮離職。」❌ 違法歧視
雇主不能因為你的健康狀況、懷孕、或照顧家人就找你麻煩。
五、FMLA 的 12 週怎麼算？可以分段嗎？📅
可以。FMLA 有三種用法：
- 🔸 連續請假（例如：手術後休息 6 週）
- 🔸 間歇式請假（例如：每週回診 1 次）
- 🔸 減少工時（例如：從 full-time 調整為 part-time）
雇主必須基於醫療需要給予合理安排。
六、請 FMLA 會不會被報復？（答案：不可以！）💥
FMLA 明文禁止報復（Retaliation）。以下都屬違法：
- 🔸 你請假後回來，被換到最差的班
- 🔸 突然開始 nit-pick 找你麻煩
- 🔸 被冷凍、排除、降級
- 🔸 Performance review 被刻意打低
只要跟請假有因果關係，都有可能構成非法報復。
七、申請 FMLA 的步驟（實用版）🧭
- 1️⃣ 通知主管或 HR（可以先口頭，但建議後續 email 確認）
- 2️⃣ 提供醫療證明（doctor’s certification）
- 3️⃣ HR 審查並提供書面確認
- 4️⃣ 請假期間保持基本溝通
- 5️⃣ 返回工作後，公司必須讓你回到原職或等級相當的職位
八、如果公司拒絕 FMLA，或你懷疑遭到違法對待？📣
- ✔️ 搜集 email / 記錄
- ✔️ 要求 HR 提供書面理由
- ✔️ 諮詢勞工律師（很多提供免費初談）
- ✔️ 或向 Department of Labor（DOL）申訴
只要情況合理，法律通常站在你這邊。
九、最後想對你說的話 💚
生病、懷孕、照顧家人，都是人生最正常的事。
這些不是你該「不好意思」的理由。
你可以溫柔地提醒自己：
- 你有權利休息。
- 你有權利照顧家人。
- 你不需要為這些事情道歉。
💡 FMLA 不是特權，而是法律給你的保護。
如果你正在經歷困難，我希望這篇文章能讓你知道：
你不是無助，你不是孤單，你是被法律保護的。
💢⚠️ FMLA Rights: What Leave Are You Entitled To? What Can’t Your Employer Deny?
Many immigrant and Asian employees are unsure about FMLA and ask:
- 👉 When can I take FMLA leave?
- 👉 Can my employer deny it?
- 👉 Can I get fired or punished for taking medical or family leave?
- 👉 Does FMLA protect me if I’m pregnant, sick, or caring for family?
This guide explains your rights in plain, practical language.
1. What is FMLA and what does it protect? 🏥
The Family and Medical Leave Act provides eligible employees up to 12 weeks of job-protected, unpaid leave per year.
- ✔️ You can take unpaid leave
- ✔️ Your job (or an equivalent position) must be protected
- ✔️ Employer cannot retaliate or punish you for taking leave
2. Who qualifies for FMLA? 📝
You must meet ALL of the following:
- 1️⃣ Your employer has at least 50 employees
- 2️⃣ You have worked for the employer for 12 months
- 3️⃣ You worked at least 1,250 hours in the past year
3. What situations are covered by FMLA? ✔️
- 🏥 Your own serious health condition
- 🤰 Pregnancy, prenatal care, maternity leave
- 🍼 Newborn bonding (both parents)
- 👵 Caring for a spouse, parent, or child with a serious condition
- 🇺🇸 Qualifying military family needs
4. Common employer statements that are illegal 🚫
- “We’re too busy right now, you can’t take leave.” ❌ Illegal
- “Prove you’re really sick.” ❌ Often illegal
- “Your job might not be here when you return.” ❌ Illegal threat
- “Pregnancy affects performance, maybe you should leave.” ❌ Pregnancy discrimination
5. Can FMLA be taken in parts? 📅
Yes. There are three formats:
- 🔸 Continuous leave
- 🔸 Intermittent leave (ex: weekly treatments)
- 🔸 Reduced work schedule
6. Retaliation for taking FMLA? Not allowed 💥
The law prohibits retaliation. Examples include:
- 🔸 Worse shifts or schedules after returning
- 🔸 Micromanagement or nitpicking
- 🔸 Being excluded or downgraded
- 🔸 Sudden negative performance reviews
If negative actions occur because you took leave, it may be illegal.
7. How to request FMLA (practical steps) 🧭
- 1️⃣ Notify HR or your supervisor (email confirmation recommended)
- 2️⃣ Submit medical certification
- 3️⃣ HR approves and provides written notice
- 4️⃣ Maintain reasonable communication
- 5️⃣ Return to the same or equivalent job
8. If your employer denies FMLA or you suspect retaliation 📣
- ✔️ Document emails and incidents
- ✔️ Request written reasons for denial
- ✔️ Consult an employment lawyer
- ✔️ File a complaint with the Department of Labor (DOL)
9. Final thoughts 💚
Illness, pregnancy, and caring for loved ones are part of life.
You should never feel guilty for needing time to heal or support your family.
FMLA is not a privilege — it is your legal protection.
If you’re facing challenges right now, I hope this guide helps you feel more supported, informed, and empowered.