If unpaid FMLA leave exceeds 30 days, what happens to the merit date?

• A. It is adjusted accordingly
• B. It remains the same
• C. It is advanced by the leave duration
• D. It resets to the date of return

Answer: (A)

Merit date is used to determine when a merit increase becomes due, based on your service time. When unpaid FMLA leave exceeds 30 days, the time you were away must be counted, so the merit date is adjusted accordingly. In practice, you push the merit date forward by the number of days of unpaid FMLA beyond the initial 30 days. For example, if the original merit date is June 1 and you have 10 days of unpaid FMLA beyond the 30-day threshold, the merit date would move to June 11. This approach ensures the merit review aligns with actual time at work and does not advantage or penalize you for taking approved leave.