California is a worker’s paradise when it comes to taking time off from work. The Golden State provides for family leave under the California Family Rights Act (CFRA). The CFRA, as well as the federal Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA), entitle eligible employees to take unpaid, job-protected leave for up to 12 workweeks in a 12-month period. The State also has laws for school appearance leave (up to 40 hours a year to participate in a child’s school activities), alcohol and drug rehabilitation leave, and pregnancy leave – not to mention
indefinite leaves under the State’s workers’ compensation system for work-related injuries and illnesses.