I was laid off today after returning from maternity leave

I returned back to work yesterday from being off 12 weeks of maternity leave. They basically told me I either take additional weeks off unpaid and my job will not be guaranteed when I return or I get laid off and collect unemployment. I feel like they did this to me cause I just came back. my position is still there....one of my co-workers took over for me while I was out. She never work in this postion before and I am the only one in this postion. And she barley knows 1/2 the things I do. They kept brinign up that I would probably like to stay home with the baby and all. and kept brinign up the baby. I belielve what they did was moraly wrong and possibly can have a good law suit against them. What do you all think? I was there for 10 1/2 years and no one else was laid off today.

Re: I was laid off today after returning from maternity leave

I'm sorry this happened.

I have no advice other than get to the unemployment office ASAP.

Re: I was laid off today after returning from maternity leave

I'm not clear on how they can offer you an unpaid leave with no guarantee of being able to return. Wouldn't that just delay your claim for unemployment? In fact, it may have an effect on your eligibility for unemployment. That part of what they said to you confuses me.

Unfortunately, any type of lawsuit for wrongful termination can be costly and very difficult to win. I doubt it would be a contingency fee case. You can always consult with a labor & employment lawyer just to see, though.

Re: I was laid off today after returning from maternity leave

So sorry this happened. Doesn't make sense to me either... if you take the extra unpaid leave without a guarantee of a position when you return, I believe unemployment can then deny your claim because you CHOSE to do that vs. the office MAKING you. KWIM? I would apply for Unemployment ASAP and at least speak to an atty that deals with this kind of thing. Good luck...

Re: I was laid off today after returning from maternity leave

That really stinks and I kinda know how you feel. I was laid off in Jan from a new job after I told them I was pregnant with triplets. What they did to me was really unfair bc they recruted me from a job I wasnt really looking to leave but the offer was to good to pass up. I explained how I was doing IVF before I accepted the postion and they told me that wasnt an issue.....apparently it was bc 7 weeks later I get told I am being let go bc I didnt pass an evaulation....mind you I never saw this evaulation and I have been doing my job for 17 yrs and have never been let go or told I failed an evaulation.I was so ****** in the beginning but things work out for me collecting the unemployement and having a stress-free pregnancy. I think what they did was messed up but now you can spend more time with your child. Good luck to you. I hope things work out.

Re: I was laid off today after returning from maternity leave

Re: I was laid off today after returning from maternity leave

Is it a large company? Is so, what they're offering you with the unpaid leave is the rest of your FMLA. That will continue medical benefits, but then you're out money.

How were your reviews in the past?
Did they offer severance?
Has anyone else at the company had a baby?
How were they treated?

Depending on the answers to those questions, it may be worth your while to see an attorney - at the very least to negotiate some severance.

Lots of companies are paring down.

Re: I was laid off today after returning from maternity leave

You should contact the EEOC and file a claim before you hire an atty... that way it does not cost you anything and your company will be investigated, etc.. http://www.eeoc.gov/newyork/index.html

Re: I was laid off today after returning from maternity leave

I'm sorry that sounds horrible. I believe you are also entitlled to the goverment paying 65% of your medical coverage if you are the carrier through the job you had. I know that your entitled to it if you get laid off and choose the cobra option through your employer. I believe the coverage is that percent might be more, not sure. Good Luck.

Re: I was laid off today after returning from maternity leave

After 10 1/2 yrs. they did that to you? I would be FURIOUS

I am so sorry that happened to you.

Re: I was laid off today after returning from maternity leave

wow. If there was no other reason for them to fire you I say you probably have a shot ot a lawsuit. Contact unemployment!

Re: I was laid off today after returning from maternity leave

I was laid off aqt 8.5 months pregnant, they knew what they were doing was wrong, bc they had no justification to do it, my manager thought I wouldn't come back after maternity leave so he just saved himself from keeping my job and I knew what he was doing....he basically gave me a great severance package bc they knew I would and could hire a lawyer, before signing anything I spoke to a lawyer and said that the severance they offered is basically what I would win in a lawsuit so take it...my long point is, did they offer you a package, if not I would def speak to a lawyer and see what they could do for you!!!

Re: I was laid off today after returning from maternity leave

That sucks, if nothing else i would definitely report them.