What is the difference between FMLA and SICK LEAVE?

The full meaning of FMLA is Family and Medical Leave Act, while sick leave, which can also be referred to as paid sick leave refers to the amount of days off that an employee is entitled to without being deprived of his pay and benefits. FMLA is a federal act practiced majorly in the United States that was passed into law in the year 1993. This act allows for the freedom of an employee to take at least 12 weeks leave to attend to a serious illness of his personal self or a family member.

The sick leave, however, is not an act, but a leave that is granted by an employer as it pleases him for an employee to take time in looking into his or her illness state. The major difference between the two leave is that the sick leave can be taken anytime by the employee as and when required for any illness; while the FMLA allows for only serious illness such as cancer and the likes. In addition, during the sick leave (or short term disability) the employee can even be compensated with some amount, but the FMLA only offers a sure 12 minimum unpaid weeks.

Sick leave is time off of work that employees can use to stay at home to take care of their health needs without losing their pay. The United States does not currently require that employees have access to paid sick days. The United States does, however, guarantee unpaid leave for serious illness through FMLA, which is the Family and Medical Leave Act.

FMLA guarantees that you will not be fired from your job because of an illness or emergency within the family. Sick leave is more up to the employer.