Unfair Job and Pregnant

Question

Hi everyone! I am currently 6 months pregnant and working. I have used most of my PTO being 40HRs leaving me with just 6.83 hours left. All of my PTO has went to doctors appointments because my pregnancy was difficult in the beginning.  I have been working for this company for 6 months and I have one floating holiday I'm using on December 19th for my glucose test so I will have a paid day off that day.  But after my 6.83 hours is up it wont renew until July. Not to mention my doctors appointments will increase. The company states that if I have an unexcused absence after my PTO is up I will be terminated!!! Harsh right?!  I'm due for my baby boy in March.  My maternity leave most likely wont start until Feburary.  WHAT SHOULD I DO?! Finding a new job while your big and pregnant is hard.....

Anonymous · Answer

I agree with some of the others, definitely set up a meeting with your manage, HR, or both.  This way you can get some clarification on what to expect leading up to your anticipated delivery date.

One other thing you can do is check your Employee Handbook. It should have a very clear attendance policy in it.  Typically an unexcused absence means it wasn't preapproved prior to taking the day off.  My suggestion would be to make sure your manager is aware of your upcoming appointments as soon as you know them.  That way they can be preapproved and then bring in a doctor's note when you return. Maybe even schedule them in a way that you wouldn't have to take the whole day.

In the years I have worked in Payroll and/or HR, this is something that has come across my desk a number of times.

Good luck and well wishes for you and your family.

Kimberly Mc · Answer

When/if you do meet with HR, make sure you tell them you're willing to make other accommodations instead of asking for more PTO - i.e. work extra hours to cover the hours missed for appointments and/or working from home over the weekend if that is an option. In other words, have solution possibilities ready. That will show HR you're serious about wanting the job and wanting to come back after maternity leave.

Kristy Stacey · Answer

I'm not saying this to be cruel, but I personally had a pregnancy that 'started off complicated in the beggining' and for the last 8 weeks my doc insisted on 3 ultrasounds a week. Even being closely monitered I developed preclampsia snd post partum preclampsia and had to be hospitalized for weeks. I had complications that left me with temporary numbness and the inability to walk for 3 months. I say this because you need to plan for the unexpected. Talk to your doctor about what your personal risks are in the 3rd trimester and how they plan on monitering you. You don't want 21 ultrasounds if planned to come as a surprise. Make a financial plan for if you are fired but have a seious talk with hr and your manager with documentation about why you had to take paid time off each day. See if they can work with you or if you can at least put in a notice and get a good reference out of them. Good luck

Jessica LaVitte · Answer

Please study your company handbook and your EEOC rights/ADA Rights and accommodations. Are you past your probationary period?  You may be able to request a reasonable accommodation to get your appointments in, although this is extremely ridiculous that your employer would make you got through this..  I don’t think the have you allow you that time, but some treat pregnancy with same accommodation as disability...I would definitely speak with the doctor,EEOC, ADA And HR, Document EVERYTHING and get the required information IN WRITING from doc “it is mandatory for you to be seen on “these days”  If approved by employer, also have that put in writing. . 
Although I don’t think they “have to legally accommodate the appointments” (check with the EEOC) they sure should! This would not look good on them, but if nothing else, first take care of you and the health of your unborn child. You don’t need this type of stress! Sounds like a crappy employer anyway..I already don’t like them!

https://www1.eeoc.gov//eeoc/publications/pregnant_workers.cfm?renderforprint=1

Congratulations! ?? and good luck.  ~Jess

Stress is no good for the baby.if you must, walk away..there are a million other jobs out there.

Anonymous · Answer

Nothing about your situation is easy, and I empathize with the struggles unique to your situation. I'm personally support the thought that humans are not machines therefor employers should not expect such. Employers must recognize that the people that work hard for them also have lives and require time to care for their health so they can continue to work hard for the company. Honestly, I would be done with the company. I would probably work as long as I could then gracefully and respectfully identify that your life goals do not align with the company's and move on after the baby's birth (IF your finances allow).  Protect your personal life and your quality of life. I don't have the experience to give you career advice, but from this information I would definitely know what rights are available to you. Maybe try to focus on what is right in front of you to prevent stress at work? Focus on work while you can and focus on home when you are off work. This MIGHT reassure the employer that you intend to do good work but are currently struggling, as every human does at some point.

Stacey Edwards Nolen · Answer

I supervise employees in Ohio. I was told that pregnancy is protected in Ohio and the coverage is “similar” to FMLA. You need to have a conversation with HR.

lhmwhite · Answer

Even if you can find a solution through the end of your pregnancy, how is this company going to treat time off for your baby's check ups, and your own? I doubt they will be more flexible in the future.

MJ · Answer

Being pregnant is the easy part.  If this company does not allow for schedule flexibility or to do some of the work from home, think about making a career move.  I worked as a temp consultant for most of the years I was raising my kids.  No paid holidays, sick days etc. .. but it was flexible, and the networking opportunities gave me some good references when looking for permanent work.

texinthecity · Answer

Having a baby was your choice not a right. Businesses are not in existence to coddle you. You made your choice and that means you'll be out of office awhile. Your reality is legit as much as theirs is. You need to speak openly and clearly with HR department to find an agreed plan of action.

DeborahORell · Answer

I agree with above suggestion SEEK OUT AN EMPLOYMENT LAWYER FOR YOUR STATE as soon as possible.  It's better to know your rights before speaking with HR.  It sounds like they are setting you up for termination, so you need to have your paper trail in place.  DON'T QUIT.  or wait for them to fire you.   Call a lawyer first.  (we practice in NY, CT and NJ if that's helpful to you).

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