Understanding Your Family and Medical Leave Rights in Illinois Navigating the complexities of family and medical leave can be a daunting task for employees and employers alike. In Illinois, your rights are primarily protected by the federal Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA), but also supplemented by several important state-specific laws. This article will provide a comprehensive guide to understanding these protections, empowering you with the knowledge to assert your rights effectively. The Foundation: The Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA) The FMLA is a federal law that provides eligible employees with up to 12 weeks of unpaid, job-protected leave per year for specific family and medical reasons. It also requires that your group health benefits be maintained during the leave as if you had not taken leave. While the leave itself is unpaid, many employees utilize accrued paid time off (PTO) or sick leave concurrently with FMLA leave. Eligibility for FMLA L...