So the assistant at my office who was replaced during maternity leave (we're not covered by FMLA), filed for unemployment- she was replaced/let go... well, my boss decided to contest it by saying he offered her a job for the same amount of hours but for less than 72% of her pay (untrue- he actually interviewed someone that he wanted to hire and then called original assistant 7 weeks into her leave to say he couldn't wait any longer and needed to hire someone else now- why, I'll never know because this new girl has hardly had any work to do for the last few weeks- boss even told original assistant to try to find another job for the same pay).
Original assistant just got a denial letter today. She's going to contest it, but I just know this is going to get ugly. And of course, I just told boss last Friday that I'm expecting and going to be taking a leave starting in January (the busy season).
Re: UGH- Maternity Leave/Unemployment F/U
first of all, your boss is a douche.
second, unfort. he is not bound legally to pay your co-worker unemployment since she is not covered under FMLA.