FMLA, or Family medical leave Act, is in place so that employees, who have medical issues, or family members with medical issues (with some additions and some exceptions), can take time off of work to take care of those issues without fear of losing their job. The Act does not require that employers pay the employee while out on leave, just that the employer does not discriminate against the employee for needing the time off.
Read more here
http://www.cauleypridgen.com/2013/01/fmla-what-is-it-and-does-it-apply-to-me
