Post # 1
Member
3508 posts
Sugar bee
So yesterday I was posting about my maternity leave and when to leave and all that stuff. I have two bosses well say Boss A (which is the big boss) and Boss B (which apparently is head of HR I’ve been here two years and am just now hearing that he has this title). So shortly after Boss A told me about taking my leave, Boss B comes and says he had no idea I was taking so long and that I can’t take 12 weeks because it’s too long and why would I want to take off that long (oh idk cause I’m having a baby) and that I can only take 8 weeks which is what everyone gets. I said that’s a lie cause so and so got 12 weeks and he was like I don’t recall. Boss A even agreed with me that the co-worker got 12 weeks.
So I’m explaining to him that I have to talk to the baby sitter and also god willing that my milk supply is enough, I have to make a stock pile of milk for the baby sitter. He said we’ll talk later. Fine. Boss A comes in and sees me upset and says I guess I messed up and I said no you didn’t because I told both you and Boss B when I was 5 weeks pregnant that I wanted to take off 12 weeks, telling me a month before I give birth that that’s not possible is beyond me.
I understand it’s their company and they can do as they please but it’s just heartbreaking to me. I already am going to be leaving my son for 10+ hours a day with baby sitter and missing so much (I know 1st world problems, most moms deal with it but it still hurts)
Boss A said he’s gonna try to get Boss B to change his mind. So today Boss B tells me to give him the weekend to think about it.
I told Boss B that whatever solution is reached that I need a written statement saying that I am allowed to leave on such and such date and return to work on such and such date. He seemed taken back and asked why I would need that. I told him well I’m getting two different answers from two different bosses so I need it written.
He seemed to brush it off so I’m thinking about e-mailing both about needing a written statement but idk if that’s gonna push their buttons. Lesson learned that I clearly need to make sure their is a paper trail with everything we speak about.
I really just needed to vent. thanks for listening.
Post # 2
Member
3126 posts
Sugar bee
I’m sorry, it is really scrappy of him to spring it on you now. Hopefully he changes his mind after thinking it over for the weekend. If not, could you work from home for those additional four weeks? I would wait until Monday to ask for written conformation again; at this point you don’t have any information to get in writing and I wouldn’t push him too much lest he make a decision out of irritability.
Post # 3
Member
3508 posts
Sugar bee
MissTatas: Yeah it sucks and I wish I could work from home but I can’t. :/ I’m a receptionist so I have to be here
Post # 4
Member
2907 posts
Sugar bee
Is the 8 weeks paid maternity leave? If so, would you be willing to take an extra four weeks unpaid? If their concern is mostly financial – i.e., they’d have to pay you *and* pay a temp while you’re out – you might be able to negotiate an extra four weeks if you’re willing to take it unpaid.
Post # 5
Member
1137 posts
Bumble bee
Does your company have more than 50 employees? If so, you’re entitled to 12 weeks based on FMLA.
Post # 6
Member
930 posts
Busy bee
Use the laws that are there to get your 12 weeks. If your company has over 50 employees, they HAVE to give you the 12 weeks
Current United States maternity leave policy is directed by the Family and Medical Leave Act of 1993 (FMLA) which includes a provision mandating 12 weeks of unpaid leave annually for mothers of newborn or newly adopted children.
Post # 7
Member
9142 posts
Buzzing Beekeeper
- Wedding: November 2013 - St. Augustine Beach, FL
eecuadrado: They have to know they can get in trouble for offerring 12 weeks to one employee and 8 weeks to another. I’m surprised that as a law firm they don’t have a written maternity policy containing the number of weeks to make sure it’s enforced qually against all employees. If the policy allowed for 12 weeks for one category of employees and 8 weeks for another category, they would be able to enforce it because it’s written. They’re going to have a tough time arguing different rules for different employees otherwise. Make sure you check out the federal Pregnancy Discrimination Act and maybe mention that if they refuse you the 12 weeks they allowed for the other employee.
Don’t be surprised if they issue a maternity leave policy as a result of your situation. Make sure they don’t apply the new policy to you in retaliation for bringing up the issue in the first place. Even if they write something up now it should only be applied to employees who apply for maternity leave in the future. Again, don’t be afraid to speak to an attorney if you have to in this situation.
Post # 8
Member
930 posts
Busy bee
To add to my post (because I weirdly can’t edit) A lot of states have expanded the law locally to mandate the 12 week leave for businesses down to 10 employees
Post # 9
Member
1409 posts
Bumble bee
I think from prior posts that her company has less than 50 employees, so FMLA doesn’t apply.
Post # 10
Member
4574 posts
Honey bee
eecuadrado: did you get any positive answer from either boss A or B!?? I am sorry you had to deal with this 🙁
Post # 11
Member
3508 posts
Sugar bee
Thank you ladies for being so helpful and keeping me level headed lol having to read all of these post has helped me not flip out at work.
beachbride1216: MrsR4ever: I have not gotten a direct answer. Friday Boss A said he’ll make sure I get 3 months. Boss B said we would talk Monday. Well I was off Monday. So today (Tuesday) I come in Boss B avoids me and then says he’ll talk to me when he gets back at 12. Boss A was not in yet but when he did come it he says he hasn’t spoken to Boss B but not to worry that I will be the 3 months.
What upsets me about that is Boss A is the big boss where as Boss B is just head of HR. Boss A has the power to say what goes so the fact that he’s allowing Boss B to relay the message to me puts me on edge. Like if you’re saying I can have the 3 months then why is that not the final answer why do I still talk to Boss B at all.
Fishy siutation.
Post # 12
Member
4574 posts
Honey bee
eecuadrado: that does sound fishy…being the head of HR doesnt really make you a “boss” do i dont get why your main boss (A) doesnt just say “hey she is out 3 months, get the paperwork” and be that it! you know? ugh! how frustrating! have you read your job’s manual on that (if they have one) or what is your State’s policy’s with regard to ML? My State gives me 4 weeks for myself and 6 weeks (if normal labor) or 8 weeks on top of the 4 we already get if i have a c-section. The cool thing about it, at least for me, is that i can take those 4 weeks either before my due date or save them for after and my job was happy that i am actually taking them after.
I wish the best of luck, lady! I hope you get what you deserve! : )
Post # 13
Member
3508 posts
Sugar bee
MrsR4ever: Oh I know its just not right! Sadly they don’t have a manual which is strange you would think a lawfirm would have all the I’s dotted and T’s crossed but nope not here. You are sooo lucky!! I’m so excited that you get time off cause you’re really gonna need it. I’m trying to keep my cool and pray that everything is okay because it has to be.
Post # 14
Member
4574 posts
Honey bee
eecuadrado: I work in a law firm too. I am a Paralegal. Well, at least you know they can’t fire you for being pregnant or taking time off. Otherwise lawsuit haha!!!
Post # 15
Member
3508 posts
Sugar bee
MrsR4ever: Lol SERIOUSLY?! You truly are my twin!
