Posted on 11/06/2005 4:01:50 PM PST by motohockey
My wife was laid off after being on maternity leave.
She was never given any hint of problems with employment, but got the call last week that she did not fit the position.
This after working over and above the required hours and job responsibilities of her position.
I would just like some opinions on this seemingly unfair layoff.
You could have saved us all our theorizing :)
Still wish she would 'stay at home'...
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.
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.
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.
Congratulations on your new baby!
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.
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?
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".
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).
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.
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.
..and I recieved a nice FReepmail from him.
a.r.b.i.t.e.r......arbiter....(typed too fast)
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...
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.
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.
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