The California Family Rights Act (CFRA) is a state law that provides employees with unpaid, job-protected leave for family or medical reasons. Similar to the federal Family Medical Leave Act (FMLA), the CFRA offers additional protections, often covering a broader range of family members and caregiving needs.
Employee Eligibility
To qualify for CFRA leave, an employee must:
- Work for an employer with at least 5 employees.
- Have been employed for at least 12 months.
- Have worked at least 1,250 hours in the previous 12 months.
Reasons for CFRA Leave
Eligible employees may take leave for:
- Bonding with a newborn or newly adopted child.
- Caring for a family member, including siblings, grandparents, or domestic partners, with a serious health condition.
- Their own serious health condition that prevents them from performing their job duties.
- Addressing qualifying exigencies related to a family member’s active military duty.
Differences Between CFRA and FMLA
- CFRA covers a broader range of family members for caregiving purposes.
- Pregnancy-related disabilities are covered under California’s Pregnancy Disability Leave (PDL) rather than CFRA.
Common Employer Violations
- Denying employees the right to take CFRA leave.
- Retaliating against employees for requesting or taking leave.
- Failing to reinstate employees to their original or equivalent positions after leave.
Steps to Take if Your CFRA Rights Are Violated
1. Record Evidence: Document your leave request, employer’s response, and any retaliatory actions.
2. File a Complaint: Submit a complaint to the California Civil Rights Department (CRD).
3. Consult an Attorney: Seek legal counsel to protect your rights and pursue remedies if necessary.
How We Can Help
At Atticus Law Group, we are experienced in handling CFRA-related cases. Our team is dedicated to helping employees stand up for their rights and secure the compensation they deserve.
If your CFRA rights have been violated, contact Parisa Khademi, Managing Partner of Atticus Law Group:
Phone: (213) 886-7172
Email: pkhademi@atticuslawgroup.com