Employee Stock Purchase Plans (ESSP) and Family Medical Leave Act

[Guest jennifer mitchell]

Is the Employee Stock Purchase Plan a protected benefit plan under FMLA. I was trying to locate certain language related to stock purchase plans under regulation: CFR825.209, but it is not addressed. I'm trying to determine if employees are still eligible to participate in the plan while on leave (FMLA) or can they enroll when the Initial Offering period occurs. Or, if an employee stops contributing while on leave (FMLA), will they receive the same stock price upon returning to work and starting contributions again? Lastly, is it a SEC requirement for employers to address Leave of Absence provisions in their Employee Stock Purchase Plan Questions and Answers Summary Booklet?