Currently found out my company only offers paid parental leave to employees who live in states that require them to pay.

Anonymous

May 24,2023 at 12:39PM UTC

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Currently found out my company only offers paid parental leave to employees who live in states that require them to pay. I brought this policy to my boss’s attention as my state does not require any paid parental leave. They have been in talks with short-term disability insurance brokers (that would only offer 6 weeks partial pay) for parental leave. They have been in talks for over 3 months. I may be pregnant now and probably won’t qualify for benefits. I would have qualified the last 2 months. Any advice for negotiations?

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AnonymousMay 24,2023 at 1:07PM UTC
This is not exactly up for retro negotiation since it would create an imbalance of offering and discrimination for past employees if not offered.
I would negotiate a bonus of some kind to help you out if the benefit will not be in place in time to cover you.
AnonymousMay 24,2023 at 2:24PM UTC
While this may be disappointing and frustrating, this wouldn't be up for negotiation unless the company figured out a way to apply whatever they agree to with you, to all people similarly situated. Otherwise, it could be a discrimination issue. It's also not clear that you wouldn't qualify for benefits if a disability policy is put in place prior to you needing to make a claim (though you may be pregnant now, it doesn't sound like you'd need to stop working right away). "Pre-existing conditions" may not apply if the company begins offering the disability coverage on a group basis. Unfortunately, there's little you can do short of making a plan based on what's currently available.
AnonymousMay 24,2023 at 4:53PM UTC
I'd bring my employee handbook to an employment attorney and have a discussion about your options. If you can't afford an attorney, look for the local legal aid clinic and see if they will see you.
AnonymousMay 25,2023 at 12:30PM UTC
These are issues to be looked at before accepting a job. It says a lot about who they are that they only offer this benefit when required. Not much that can be done at this point. I do hope you vote for people that support things like parental leave in your state and federally.
AnonymousMay 26,2023 at 12:34PM UTC
Regardless of if it is paid or not, there is FMLA that would cover your time off and protect your job. If you are currently pregnant you also have 9 months to save money to offset that time off.
AnonymousMay 26,2023 at 7:53PM UTC
FMLA is actually not a blanket one size fits all situation. Her company may not fit the parameters where FMLA would apply. I currently am in that situation.
AnonymousMay 27,2023 at 4:21AM UTC
If FMLA does not apply, try to have a remote work option for the initial few months by talking it out with your boss/ HR.