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Pregnancy at work - issues

Lriley1@progressive.comLriley1@progressive.com
in 2nd Trimester

I have been at my company for over 2 years. I'm pregnant for the 2nd time. My office is very short staffed, and there is a big hiring freeze. So, needless to say.... my coworkers and managers are less than thrilled about my maternity leave. So, my manager is constantly on me about everything. Today he tells me that I can no longer take time off for my Dr. appointments. He's constantly trying to write me up for something. My performance reviews are always really good. He says that he is in the process of putting all of this BS in writing and is going to email it to me. I want to write back and basically tell him that I feel as though he's picking on me for being pregnant. How do I say it? What should I say?

 

Help! Any advice?

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Re: Pregnancy at work - issues

  • hisbabybearhisbabybear member
    um that is called discrimination. If i were you i wouldnt take time off for doctors appts. i would schedule it around work so he would have no reason to write you up. if he still acts like a jerk, take account of it so you can file harassment.
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  • keaonakeaona member
    Does he know that if he treats you differently for being pregnant it is discrimination and against the law for him to not let you go to you appt during work?  they can't pay you but they can't tell you you can't schedule them during work hours.  I would go to your state's Labor and Industries website and look up some information and also talk to some one in HR about or his boss.
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  • emclarenicksemclarenicks

    Wait to see what he puts in writing first...I wouldn't write back until you check your employee handbook and state laws.  Don't give him any ammo (especially in writing) to fire back at you or hold against you.....

    So sorry to hear about all of this. That stinks!

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  • Mary and DaveMary and Dave member
    That's not right at all.  Is there an HR department where you work?

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  • Mrs_mamMrs_mam
    Time to contact your HR department. Most companies make you take sick or vacation time for Dr. appointments anyway so you might as well count on doing permanently. But the other things you are mentioning sound like it could be starting on discrimination, especially since you have always gotten good reviews.
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  • Lriley1@progressive.comLriley1@progressive.com
    I work about an hour from my Dr's office, so I always have to leave early in order to get there on time! Crying
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  • Lriley1@progressive.comLriley1@progressive.com

    Also, I'm not asking to get paid for the time, I just want to be able to make it to my appointments. Last pregnancy they were really good about it, but we had different management then, and we were over staffed, so the issue didn't matter.

    I'm just so frustrated! I also think that my manager thinks that I'm not coming back after maternity, which I had intended to do...... but all of this is making me re-consider.

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  • Delila80Delila80

    imagehisbabybear:
    um that is called discrimination. If i were you i wouldnt take time off for doctors appts. i would schedule it around work so he would have no reason to write you up. if he still acts like a jerk, take account of it so you can file harassment.

    Ditto.  maybe contact HR and see what they say.

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  • JCM052707JCM052707
    I would ask to see the new, COMPANY WIDE, policy that no one is allowed to take time off for Dr. appointments to start with....  See how he feels about THAT! jerk!
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  • b.heatherb.heather member
    I was in a similar situation in a previous job. My advice: avoid taking any kind of an attitude - the more he has an attitude, the more sweet you get. Get as much as possible in writing. If he insists on talking to you in person, follow up with an email -something like "I just want to clarify our conversation today" followed by a summary. Document everything. The PP suggestion about asking if it was a new office policy that no one was allowed to go to doc visits during work hours is a great example. Don't give them any ammunition to use against you. You might consider talking to HR, but I know in my last office, which was small, if you talked to HR the boss always heard about it, so you might consider your options there. I had this for you, but hopefully watching your back will help prevent future issues.
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  • PrimaandGeePrimaandGee
    Um he can't deny you basic healthcare.....who died and made him GOD.....call HR on his A.......my cousin works for progressive and they always act crazy...she has been there about 7 years and I have heard some stories.  That is discrimination.  Just make your appts. near the end of the day, take your time and leave early.....prenatal care is highly important...I would have cussed his A out cold!!!!!
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  • jec2006jec2006
    At the very least, you are eligible to take time to care for yourself under the FMLA.  You have been there 2 years, so you are eligible for it.  It can be taken in increments and not necessarily in whole days, and HR tracks that time off.  If you don't want to use your FMLA time, you have sick time as a benefit, and you are entitled to use it.  You certainly aren't abusing it, and you are trying to accomodate their needs.  Don't say or put anything in writing to this guy.  Go to HR-they will help.  If they don't, definitely contact the state offices that manage discrimination cases. 
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  • Lriley1@progressive.comLriley1@progressive.com

    I'm just beyond frustrated at this point! And I think some of my A-HOLE co-workers are adding "fuel to the fire" by bitching that I'm going to take my 12 weeks for FMLA. And my company is not hiring anyone to cover while I'm out, which then creates more work for every other person in my office.

    AND to top it all off, my bff at work is due the same week as me (this was definitely not planned) and now work is even more pissy!

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