Vanity - Wife laid off while on maternity leave. Opinions wanted.

[Guenevere]

Do you talk to your wife much? :)

You could have saved us all our theorizing :)

Still wish she would 'stay at home'...

[motohockey]

We just found out Friday afternoon so we haven't talked to anyone yet.
Thanks

[Harmless Teddy Bear]

Before you got the notice did you talk to HR?

How long has your wife been off?

Did you make any arrangements for STD payments?

I am trying to come up with something to help you but so far from what you have said the company may be fully within their rights to have laid her off.

[motohockey]

She was on short term disability right after the emergency.
She was talking with her supervisor throughout the ordeal, but never filed any notices or other paperwork other than filling out the STD paperwork.
She has only been off since the beginning of September.

[ClaireSolt]

As the former owner of a company with 40 employees I'll say that these laws and expectations of holding a job for someone can be a huge and unreasonable burden. Important employees cannot simple be done without for months when they perform vital functions.

Also, personally, I think that nothing could be more counterproductive than a lawsuit. They are negative and drag on for years. You should be enjoying your baby, instead. Also, suing an employer often makes it very difficult to get another job in the area. Although this is a surprise, it is not the end of the world.

[Harmless Teddy Bear]

Ok. So at least you have filed some paperwork. That might help.

I am not sure if they will let you file this far after the event but you might try filing FMLA paperwork.

Granted it only protects your job twelve weeks but she would still be under the protected time. Definitely you need to talk to HR.

For future reference, get everything in writing and be sure to file FMLA when needed.

I don't know if you know this but because this was a case where she was on STD you might have been able to file yourself as primary care taker if you needed to take time off to take her to the doctor or things of that nature.

They normally require 30 days notice before taking time off in large chunks but FMLA can be used for single days as well.

[motohockey]

Thanks to all of you for the comments and suggestions. In the end doubt we will be filing any lawsuits.
As always freerepublic.com is an invaluable source for straight talk and great information.

Have a great week everyone.

[grellis]

With regard to the student loans you are currently paying, it can't hurt to contact the creditor in question and arrange a lower payment plan. You sound like a smart couple of folks...put your heads together over all of your finances. You would be amazed at how much you can trim from your family budget, even with a new baby. You might even want to post a thread regarding that--FReeping families are second to none when it comes to minimizing finances.

Congratulations on your new baby!

[Space Wrangler]

You have a settlement coming in your future. Get a lawyer. This company does not want this in front of a jury. They'll pony up a good settlement to keep it out of court. Seen it happen so many times, that I now believe that most businesses do this on purpose. They'll offer the equivalant of one years salary right out of the gate.

[Born Conservative]

Just be sure that if you do take her golfing at this point, it would be wise to take along the baby seat to the barroom afterwards as well. You wouldn't want her crawling around on a dirty barroom floor, would you?

[Born Conservative]

Still wish she would 'stay at home'...

Why are you being so persistant about motohockey's wife not working? It's really none of your business HOW they raise their child. This thread is about his wife being laid off, not whether she should be a "stay at home mom".

[Born Conservative]

I have to agree with you on the "not being the end of the world" comment. My wife lost her job 2 years ago, took another job that was totally misrepresented to her (instead of a 40 minute drive, they were sending her 2 hours away each day); she quit because of this, and thus lost her unemployment. However, she has been able to get temporary work since then, in hopes that she'll land a more permanent job as a teacher (teaching jobs are next to impossible to get in our area).

[Guenevere]

...and why does my opinion upset you?

I'm not forcing my beliefs on anyone...

..it's just an opinion, and last I checked, we're allowed to have them here at FR.

[Born Conservative]

Your persistance in a way IS trying to force your beliefs on others. Besides, it's off topic for the thread. And I'm not upset with your opinion; you're entitled to it just as everyone else is entitled to theirs.

[Guenevere]

I think the artiber of whether I'm too persistent should be motohockey....

..and I recieved a nice FReepmail from him.

[Guenevere]

a.r.b.i.t.e.r......arbiter....(typed too fast)

[ewka]

“It seems to me that giving birth to and raising a child is a full time job.

I never bought into the women wanting to “have it all” philosophy, but that's just my opinion. “

I am shocked by such progressive views expressed here. This is why US is truly behind in regards to maternity leave benefits. Women are truly discriminated in this country (based on the opinion above). Having a baby does not equal having your brain removed. FREEDOM OF CHOICE. Many of us women are capable of raising a child and being gainfully employed. Wow.. I am floored by the ‘have it all’ comment. Seriously, do you know women can vote now? Regarding safety issues - shockingly enough many women these days have white-collar jobs: doctors, lawyers, accountants...

[djf]

Just my opinion. It is not against the law to have an opinion.

And you are certainly free to put your children in day care 23 hours a day if you like. Whatever.

I ain’t gonna participate in a flame war over it.

[JenB]

There’s a lot of us women who would be pretty offended by your implication that staying at home with baby is a brainless task.

I’m going to get to stay home with mine, and trust me, I love my job, but I can’t imagine sticking baby in daycare.