Does FMLA guarantee job protection during layoffs or operational changes?

No. Employees on FMLA leave have no greater right to job restoration than if they had continued working.
If a layoff, position elimination, or schedule change affects the employee’s role, their rights are limited to what would have applied if they were actively employed.
Example:
If a shift is eliminated during leave, the employee is not entitled to the old shift or pay differential but will return to an equivalent position under current conditions.
If a layoff occurs, the employee’s FMLA protections end on the effective date of the layoff.
For more information, visit the State of Tennessee Attendance and Leave Manual.