Contract work during pregnancy

alexandra1818

First off, I'll start by mentioning that I'm in Canada, so a lot of the rules are different... so I'll add the pertinent stuff as I go.  And I promise that there's a question at the bottom!!

I currently work on a contract with a tech company, doing a desk job.  I've been working here since February 2012, and they've been doing renewals of my contract 1 or 2 months at a time since then.  They've been pretty crappy about it, usually not renewing until my last day, and the last time (right before Christmas), not until I had already cleared out my desk, shut off my computer, and had my coat on.  I've found this VERY stressful, but I've somewhat enjoyed the work, and the money is pretty good.  The issue is that the CEO doesn't like that my husband works in the same department as I do, and it's always a last-minute convincing kind of situation.

My contract expires here next Thursday. I have told the CEO that I'm pregnant, and that I'm only planning to work until June 15th and not coming back to work after the baby's born.  This seemed to help with the issue of my husband working in the same department.

 Now for the technical stuff: Here in Canada, I qualify for 50 weeks of maternity leave, paid by the government.  To do that though, I have to work 600 hours in a certain period of time... and it must be completed before the baby's born or the baby's due date, whichever comes first.  To meet that cut-off, I have to work approximately 35 hours a week every week until June 1st.

In checking with management this morning... apparently they're trying to decide if they'll renew until June 15th as we had discussed, or just until the end of March and then go month-by-month after that (this option wasn't mentioned at all, it's just pretty much a repeat of what they've been doing).

By the end of March, I will be 22 weeks, and showing for sure.

Unfortunately, I find the renewal periods VERY stressful, since they wait SO long before telling me.  Not only that, but the only work I'd be able to find at that point if they don't renew would be temp work doing filing or dealing with the public as a receptionist.  And seriously, I doubt anyone would hire a temp that they may have to replace at any time without notice.

BUT, if they aren't willing to keep me on contract until June, AND I say no... I'd be out of work now in a somewhat dry period (the job market's not too horrible here but not great), making a lot less than I normally make (my maternity benefits are based on my income in the period before the leave).  We're not in any trouble financially, but since I'm not going to work for a few years after the baby, every dollar can make a difference in the long run.

I'd also be leaving without training anyone to replace me - which is their own fault for not getting this all worked out sooner - but could damage my ability to get a reference for any contract work I'd want to do.

SO... the question is... what do you think I should do if they only offer a 2 month contract renewal with the possibility of extension? Take it and hope for the best in 2 months?  Refuse it and find something else?

Jess4us

It's a tough situation - I'm from Toronto and I was planning on working till a month before I was due (end of June) but the company faced a loss and at 12 weeks I was without a job. I went to Service Canada to discuss my options and to get the most return right now, I decided to apply for EI benefits from my 16th. (But to get EI for the first time you must have 900 hours so if you don't have 900 that wouldn't be an option). That means I will get EI benefits until I deliver (6 months from now, or so) and Maternity benefits for the remaining 6 months.  They advised me I would get more of a return that way as opposed to having a dry spell. 

 My advise, if you can, work as long as possible - that way you're accumulating more hours and the likely hood of you working until closer to your due date is greater.  As you work over the next few months, look casually for other work even in temping IT companies - just buy some time so you know your options. 

I hope that was helpful. 

aehamilton13

I think I would take the contract, too. I'm also in Canada and thankfully am not in this situation now, but worked contracts for what seemed like FOREVER before I got permanent. Like PP said, it's better to accumulate as many hours as you can. If you don't get renewed, could you go to a temp agency so that you can keep working as long as you can?

Melmac2585

I'm also in Canada and understand the EI conundrum. Personally, I would take the contract but look for anther better contract or temp job the whole time. Good luck!