So mad at my work right now!

ND04Ever

I'm so mad at my work right now. All along they've told me if I have a Dr's note writing me out of work then I'll get paid and still have my paid 6 (or 8) wks after the baby is born for maternity leave. So I get a note from my Dr last week writing me off starting this coming Monday (3 wks before my due date) since I'm so uncomfortable at work and my back is killing me sitting in this desk chair all day. I send it in and the lady in medical calls and says that even though i have a Dr.'s note this is not going to be an "approved medical leave" where they will pay for my time off. She said that I would need a legitimate complication with my pregnancy (along with progress notes from the Dr. detailing the issue) that the Dr. is writing me off work for to get approved and not just side effects or discomfort that come with being in the late stages of pregnancy. Of course she did mention i could take however much I wanted to before the pregnancy unpaid or use my vacation. Ugh!

Is this how it works at your companies? I guess I'm just mad b/c all along I've asked over and over "so if I have a Dr's note I'll be paid?" and they've said yes and now apparently that's not the case at all.

Sooo frustrating! Especially since I've already set up the leave with both of my bosses and worked ahead a ton to get everything ready for while I'm out.

Sorry to complain a ton I just needed to vent and wanted to know what the policy is at other places.

DSteed-to-be

Is there someone else in HR to speak with and figure out why you're being told 2 different things?  Is this the same person that had told you you would be paid before and is now changing her tune?  I'd get a 2nd opinion with the HR people...

Kris721

Ugh, I'm sorry....this is not what you need right now!  I have a feeling I am going to run into the same problem.  I am going to ask my Dr. to write me out as of 4/13 (2 days before my due date) and my short term disability should kick in....but I can totally see my company spinning it around.....good luck and I hope it all gets figured out.

nuttybunch

I would be irritated because I HATE being lied to. HATE it.

My work is a bit different. We get 8 weeks paid at 80%. What they don't tell you is that we can also take up to 2 weeks before the baby comes--in addition to our 8 weeks. I wasn't going to take it, but because of the discomfort, I have elected to start my leave on the 20th (due on the 21st) and say screw it to my extra 20% pay I'd earn if I were working.

I understand your work's position--they don't see a reason to pay you just because you're uncomfortable as all pregnant women are. It's not medically necessary. I get it. I would just be mad because that's not what they told you.