• The Family Leave and Sick Leave Act (FMLA) of 1993 is a law that allows employees to take up to 12 weeks of unpaid leave each year while maintaining their job. Such leave is permitted in the event of a serious illness of an employee or a family member, the birth or placement (by way of adoption or foster care) of a child. The law applies to employers with 50 or more employees and to employees who worked for the employer for at least 1,250 hours during the previous year. Allegations of discrimination against those who take leave under the Act (or those who cannot take leave under the Act) can be filed with the Department of Labor, which will investigate and enforce claims. In addition, an employee can sue their employer on an individual basis. Such claims are covered by Employment Practices Liability (EPL) policies.