New Mexico Leave of Absence for Work, also known as New Mexico FMLA (Family and Medical Leave Act), provides job-protected leave for eligible employees in certain situations. This state-specific legislation ensures that employees can take time off from work to handle personal and family-related matters without risking their employment status. The New Mexico Leave of Absence for Work allows eligible employees to take leave for the following reasons: 1. Family and Medical Leave: This type of leave allows employees to take time off for their own serious health condition, including pregnancy-related issues, recovery from surgery, or chronic health conditions requiring medical attention. 2. Family Emergency Leave: New Mexico permits employees to take leave to care for a family member with a serious health condition or during a family emergency, such as the serious illness or injury of a parent, spouse, child, or domestic partner. 3. Parental Leave: Eligible employees can take New Mexico FMLA leave for the birth of a child, adoption, or foster care placement to bond with and care for the new family member. 4. Military Family Leave: This type of leave allows employees with a spouse, child, or parent on active duty or called to covered active duty in the National Guard or Reserves to take time off for certain qualifying exigencies related to military service. To be eligible for New Mexico Leave of Absence for Work, employees must meet certain criteria: 1. Worked for a covered employer: Employees must work for a business with at least 50 employees within a 75-mile radius or be employed by a local government agency. 2. Worked for the employer for a specific duration: Employees must have worked for the employer for at least 12 months, which need not be consecutive. 3. Accumulated enough work hours: Employee must have worked at least 1,250 hours during the previous 12 months preceding the leave request. During the leave, eligible employees are entitled to continue their healthcare benefits on the same terms as if actively employed. Additionally, upon return from their New Mexico Leave of Absence, employees are generally entitled to be restored to their previous position or an equivalent position with the same pay, benefits, and seniority. It's important to note that New Mexico Leave of Absence for Work applies to public sector employees and private sector employees working for covered employers. Employees must give their employers reasonable advance notice (usually 30 days) when foreseeable, or as soon as practicable in emergency situations, for leave requests. Understanding the New Mexico Leave of Absence for Work is crucial for both employees seeking leave and employers obligated to provide it. Compliance with the state's regulations and requirements ensures a smooth approval process and guarantees job protection for employees needing time off for various reasons.