R u scared of being replaced/laidoff while on Maternity Leave?

freemand_23 · January 2009

I can't explain why I feel like this, but I feel afraid that when I come back it work will be soooo different. I'm afraid that while on maternity leave that I will be replaced (which is unlikely) but I have my concerns..I think that I won't enjoy my Maternity leave as much because I will be worried about work and my job...I haven't even told my boss or HR about my pregnancy..I have secretly told a few people here at work about it, but the really important people I have yet to tell.."I'm afraid" I guess. Anyone else feel this way?

Bernadette5 · January 2009

As long as your job has some type of FMLA program in place they legally cannot do that or else you could sue their asses!

SMADDOX47 · January 2009

In my state is against the law to do that, so I'm safe.

webMistress0609 · January 2009

I'm not worried about being replaced, but I'm worried about what will happen while I'm gone as far as the work. I'm thankfully in a secure position, but I'm also the only person who does what I do. I'm trying not to have nightmares about it.

JasonsLyric · January 2009

OMG! I just emailed my friend and told her that's exactly what I'm afraid of. My job doesn't take rocket science so anybody can replace me. It's nice to know that it's not just me.

rbidi · January 2009

I'm not afraid, becaue it's illegal, and I will sue the pants off of them! LOL. Seriously though, it is illegal, I think the FMLA act or something requires for them to hold a job for you, either the same job or one equal, and I work for a political advocacy group for attorneys, so I don't think they would risk it.

dmsmth · January 2009

Nope. Our company is too small and they need a CS person, full time. I filled in for a girl in Aug when she went on maternity leave and her job was spread between 3 people, and we STILL had tons of work. So I'm sure the same will occure when I'm gone and they will be THRILLED to have me back!

mamabug09 · January 2009

I definitely feel this way, but its because I was told by one of the higher ups that I have worked closely with that he has his suspicions that the owner of the company wants his wife to take over my position while I'm on Maternity leave! I just found this out yesterday. My resume is already posted online, but I'm worried that no one will hire a PG lady! I sure hope your fears are unfounded and that your job will be waiting for you as you left it when you return from leave.

erino&chrish · January 2009

No, but only because I'm all commissioned sales. I AM afraid of being put on bed rest because I don't actually get maternity, I get short term disability when I'm out for 5 1/2 weeks. If I get put on bed rest for anything "typical" my disability doesn't cover it so that means I'm unpaid until I deliver. Yikes!

BearkatLou · January 2009

Nope - that would be illegal.

SerraAngel · January 2009

YES!!!

I'm actually afraid they will "abolish my position" Which aparantly they are allowed to do and I was in danger of last July, but since I'm in a union they'd be required to move me...which would involve a pay cut...and going back to being a secretary (since there are only 2 Jr. Accountants in the district)...

I think that the only thing I've got going for me is that I am pregnant...maybe they'll be afraid to abolish if they think it may be perceived as going against FMLA...I try not to think about it...it would just stress me out

Aug Bride · January 2009

No I am not scared at all, my boss is pretty happy with my work. I am scared to come back to the mess that I will have to clean up.

dugan1001 · January 2009

It is only illegal if they justify it by saying because you were pregnant. If they tell you that financially they can not afford to bring you back on...they are fine. If they have restructured while you are out and your position has changed or been eliminated...the company is within it's rights if you work in a right-to-work state.

Yes...they can't fire you or let you go solely because you were pregnant or you can sue. BUT they can use other means if they have no intention of you coming back. I am dealing with all of this right now at work and have talked to an attorney about it as well.

I don't want to freak you out...but anything is possible while you (we) are out on maternity leave. That is why it is essential to know your benefits and what you get i.e., short term disability, long-term, sick/vaca or part of the FMLA. My company doesn't qualify for the FMLA so it is a bit tricky.

music247 · January 2009

Not while I'm covered by FMLA

renebean319 · January 2009

nope, i'm a career cond. employee.

they couldn't fire me if they tried! LOL

(knock on wood)

cabana1 · January 2009

Just bc we all "should" be safe during maternity leave doesn't mean squat. If a company wants to fire you they will, and will find a "legal" reason (that's my 2 cents).

Side note, if you don't want to burn any bridges, I would tell your boss/supervisor about your pregnancy (you are well into your 2nd trimester anyway). You've already let the cat out of the bag by telling some coworkers so this isn't going to be "secret" for much longer (even if you are convinced they are trustworthy, people still talk). I know my boss would have been pissed if she had heard about my pregnancy from office gossip. That would not have been good for our rapport or my job security...

LaneyM · January 2009

i'm just scared that my company won't make it through this tough economy and that we all will loose our jobs before i go on or while i'm on maternity leave. If i had to find a new job while pregnant my new job may have STD based on length of time with the company (which wouldn't be much at all) or insurance that doesn't kick in right away (husband's is terrible & expensive), and i wouldn't have FMLA job protection at a new job b/c you have to have worked about a year before you take the leave.

I try not to focus on what can go wrong too much and just be happy with the excitement that awaits with the pregnancy, but it's scary now that loosing my job wouldn't just affect me and the hubby, but also our baby. But I just have to keep a positive outlook that everything will be okay, it's the only way to get through. Good luck to all of you and your own situations!!!

babesnyder · January 2009

I think the sooner you tell them the better. I dont' think they can lay you off while on maternity leave. And having a baby or taking maternity can't be the reason for lay off. I just went to a job interview and I had to bring up the fact that if I got the job then in about a month and a half I would need to be taking maternity leave. The person inteviewing me informed me that that can't even be brought up on his end in an interview it's against the law and it can't be held against me in an interview. They would have to give you a definative reason as to why they are laying you off. If it is remotly because of the baby time off then you can sue them.

F&G777 · January 2009

Isn't that illegal??

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