Dilemma

Anonymous

July 27,2022 at 11:13PM UTC

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Dilemma

I am 18 weeks pregnant I have no more sick time or vacation time at my current job I still have prenatal appts and high risk pregnancy appts that are separated from each other.

I was told to fill out a intermittent leave request the 3 rd party vendor my company uses charges me $35 each time I need to send a doc to my physician and another $35 to obtain the doc to be submitted to my employer. I’m so frustrated it’s like the Fmla 3 rd party company is purposely messing up my dates each time I pay for a document the dates are wrong and things are denied.

well I go into work today they tell me you are on written notice all of your pregnancy doctors appts have been denied my physician has filled out and resubmitted everything they have asked for my boss says go ahead and sign the written corrective action and then whenever you Fmla appts or finally fixed by the 3rd party company then we will retracted the written notice I’m blown away I was already scared to tell them I’m expecting and now as soon as I tell them they put me on corrective action I’m already in a at will state. My manager was like hurry up and sign it as if they are trying to let me go as soon as I sign it so now I’m desperately

here on hold for one hour with the 3rd party Fmla company trying to get them to fix the dates so I can send them back to my physician to certify all of my upcoming appts and past appts. I’m not due until Dec and honesty the remote customer service job getting yelled at everyday isn’t making my pregnancy any better. I literally want to quit I’m in tears everyday. If I didn’t have a car note I would quit but I’m trying to tough through it. I told my boss I would like time to write a proper rebuttal the Fmla 3rd party company seems like it’s not even real no one calls me back or emails me back I’ve reached out to my Hr they always say they are out of office and never respond I even had Covid and tried to submit a leave 3 times and they keep saying they never got it. I’ve lost 9 pounds while pregnant from all of this scared I’m going to lose my job. What should I do.

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AnonymousJuly 27,2022 at 11:38PM UTC
Can hubby pay your car note so you can quit? That's too much stress and BS for you to go through at any time, let alone during a pregnancy.
AnonymousJuly 28,2022 at 12:26PM UTC
That’s a good idea as he uses it the most since I work from home that might have to be what happens. My hubby says I should go back to doing hair and stay away from the customer service jobs just don’t want us to lose the car. Looks like I have some things to think about.
AnonymousJuly 27,2022 at 11:42PM UTC
Your health and your baby's health is first and foremost.
Don't sign anything. Just say you need to have the document reviewed.
Finally put your emails to your 3rd party and doctor in writing whenever possible. Just take one thing at a time. Deep breaths and try not to let any of these things rob you of your rest.
AnonymousJuly 28,2022 at 12:21PM UTC
Thank you so much I’m going to get it done today get everything in writing
AnonymousJuly 28,2022 at 5:03AM UTC
It's a law in CA not to penalize a pregnant woman. Pull it up and show it to HR.
AnonymousJuly 28,2022 at 12:19PM UTC
I’m going to get on google and look today thank you! Because I think they are hoping I don’t know what to do.
AnonymousJuly 31,2022 at 6:26PM UTC
FMLA starts with twelve weeks a year and can be approved for more depending on the medical condition and company. The third party company should receive a copy of reports showing your need but your HR dept should keep track of days missed for appointments and submit them. I don't understand why you should have to send each appt to 3rd party if they do not have to pay for your leave time. Does your boss have a contact in HR that they can reach out to streamline the process ?
AnonymousAugust 1,2022 at 7:07PM UTC
Hr always says they are out of office and do not follow up on any of my questions…my manager doesn’t talk to me much he was pressuring me to sign the written notice
Katherine CanazziAugust 2,2022 at 1:39AM UTC
Also, forward every out of the office email response to your personal email address. Send those from your personal email address to your lawyer. It is not your job to mange HR’s incompetence.
Jackie DanielsAugust 1,2022 at 12:22PM UTC
Consult a labor attorney. There are other laws that protect pregnant women.
AnonymousAugust 1,2022 at 12:37PM UTC
Their procedure is disgusting. Can u name the org so others can avoid?
AnonymousAugust 1,2022 at 7:06PM UTC
I won’t do that here but I am definitely taking all of your advice and trying to work on my resume when the kids are sleep that’s usually when I get some down time. Im depressed most of the time thinking I’m going to be let go maybe it won’t be such a bad things at this point I’ve been stressing too much.
AnonymousAugust 5,2022 at 7:06PM UTC
Keep telling yourself everything will work out and it will. No job is worth the BS and stress you are dealing with. Your health is number 1. In this job market, you will ba able to find a great job.
AnonymousAugust 1,2022 at 12:40PM UTC
I'm mad for you. I don't even know how to advise you. I would be interesting in hearing what this third party company is as we considering utilizing one in the future. Although...a lot of that is on your company as they are the ones that negotiated the terms with this company.
AnonymousAugust 1,2022 at 7:04PM UTC
I was so frustrated I was down to my last 50 dollars before pay day and they were asking me to send my fee for the document $35 but I had to get groceries for my kids
AnonymousAugust 1,2022 at 12:51PM UTC
First off, I think it’s jacked up that you’re being charged to submit documents that are required. I’ve heard of physician offices doing this, but not the disability company which makes me feel like it’s all a racket to get money.
Please submit all documents in writing (i.e. scan and email) and then confirm receipt. If sending by mail, send it certified.
Typically you’re eligible for FMLA after 12 months & 1250 (I believe) hours and if/once approved AND approved retro, the corrective action can be rescinded.
Please do your best to not stress. You and baby’s health are too important. Best of luck to you!
AnonymousAugust 1,2022 at 12:56PM UTC
Talk to an attorney that specializes in Labor Law. Also call the Equal Employment opportunity Commission or visit their website. https://www.eeoc.gov/.
It isn't fair and from what you state it is bordering on Harassment - but that is why you need to talk with someone first and have them guide you along this path.
AnonymousAugust 1,2022 at 1:23PM UTC
Forward all prior email communications about this to your personal email address. Follow up all conversations with an email to your boss: “As discussed, you have asked me to…” Bcc: your personal email address.
Crystal HowellAugust 1,2022 at 1:50PM UTC
Contact https://www.eeoc.gov, an employment lawyer or paralegal.
Forward documents to personal emails, and do not discuss this with anyone in the office. Contact the FMLA manager, call and email, start a paper trail, get all your documents together.
Lastly, always update your resume and contact a recruiter, for future employment, Be Ready don't Get Ready!
Stephanie CorletoAugust 1,2022 at 2:25PM UTC
You can also contact the nonprofit A Better Balance - they have a hotline and specifically regarding workplace rights around caring for yourself and your family members.
https://www.abetterbalance.org/get-help/
Dava KatAugust 1,2022 at 2:42PM UTC
One of the ways the EEOC lists as pregnancy discrimination is “Docking or writing up a pregnant employee for taking time off to visit a doctor for prenatal care.” Absolutely 100% DO NOT SIGN the write up. They can require doctor’s statements before granting leave, so I would start copying your boss and HR on every communication you have with the company they have hired to coordinate their benefits. And provide the statements and doctor appointment dates directly to them.
AnonymousAugust 1,2022 at 6:53PM UTC
I’m over whelmed by all of the comments I haven’t signed anything and some of the days I had extreme morning sickness they had to give me medicine some of those days I was out because I was throwing up most of the day. I’m gathering all of my doc notes now since the Fmla 3rd party won’t contact me back regarding my request for all of my upcoming appts my docs stated they would just hand write all of my past and future appts. If I’m reprimanded for not signing what should I do next?
Francine A McGrathAugust 2,2022 at 2:02AM UTC
You need an attorney. Unless this is a new job with a new company, they cannot treat you this way. You also must have worked 1,250 hours during the 12 months prior to the start of leave before you are eligible for FMLA.
work at a location where the employer has 50 or more employees within 75 miles; and
have worked for the employer for 12 months. The 12 months of employment are not required to be consecutive in order for the employee to qualify for FMLA leave. In general, only employment within seven years is counted unless the break in service is (1) due to an employee’s fulfillment of military obligations, or (2) governed by a collective bargaining agreement or other written agreement.