Which type of leave allows for 12 weeks without pay but requires at least one year of service?

The Family Medical Leave Act (FMLA) allows employees to take up to 12 weeks of unpaid leave for specific family and medical reasons, provided they have worked for their employer for at least one year. This law is designed to help employees take time off for serious health conditions, the birth or adoption of a child, or to care for a family member with a serious health condition, without the fear of losing their job.

In contrast, child care leave is typically specific to time off for the purpose of caring for a child and may have different eligibility criteria not tied specifically to the one-year service requirement. Sick leave is generally a paid leave for short-term health-related issues and does not account for extended periods off as designated under FMLA. Lastly, a leave of absence with pay typically refers to an employer's specific policy that allows for scheduled time off with continued salary, rather than the unpaid leave structure tied to FMLA. Therefore, the characteristics and structure of leave provided by the Family Medical Leave Act align specifically with the question regarding the duration of leave and the required length of service.