Which law protects employees' rights to family and medical leave?

The Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA) is the law that specifically protects employees' rights to take unpaid leave for certain family and medical reasons without the fear of losing their job. Under the FMLA, eligible employees can take up to 12 weeks of unpaid leave in a 12-month period for specific situations such as the birth or adoption of a child, care for a family member with a serious health condition, or their own serious health condition that prevents them from performing their job.

This law is crucial because it balances employees' needs to take care of their health and family with the needs of employers to maintain a productive workforce. It ensures that returning employees can return to the same or an equivalent position, thus providing job security during times of need.

The other laws mentioned do not pertain directly to the protection of family and medical leave rights. The Civil Rights Act focuses on discrimination in the workplace, ERISA deals with retirement and health benefits, and the Fair Labor Standards Act regulates minimum wage and overtime pay.