Legal Question in Medical Leave in California

Re: Fieldtrips

The FMLA is not intended to provide for time off for children's school field trips, it is to take time off to care for a seriously ill family member.

However, the California labor Code does allow employees who work for a company with at least 25 employees to take up to 40 hours a year, but no more than 8 hours a month, to participate in a child's school activities.

An employee may take time off without pay, or use any accrued vacation time for this purpose.

There are some limitations to this so check with your employer and inform them of the reason you need to take off. If they question it, cite to them California Labor Code section 230.8.