Frustrated with Lack of Maternity Protection

[mhill070]

I was told on Friday that because I won’t have been at my job for a year when I give birth, that they will NOT be holding my position for me. So instead of returning to work after giving birth I will be looking for a new job. I am frustrated because when I started this job I was very forth coming and told them that my husband and I were trying to conceive so I would be needing time of when that occurs. They had said not a problem and then Friday I was told I won’t have a job when I have the baby. I just think it ridiculous that I told them and they didn’t have the respect to tell me, I wouldn’t be able to keep the job. I probably wouldn’t have taken the job if had I known. I also have my insurance through my work and that will be stopped the day I have the baby. I only get two days of leave my first year with my company so my HR told me if I could come back after my two days I would be fine. Really two days that is just ridiculous especially because I am probably going to need a C-section at 37 weeks because I have placenta previa. I’m so flustered and angry so I looked up the laws and my state has zero protections against a situation like this I can be fired and there is nothing I can do! Sorry I needed to vent.

[GeekMom1213]

I'm worried that might happen to me. We were planning on waiting until I'd been working at least 4 or 5 months before getting pregnant again but we got surprised by an off-schedule double ovulation and I'll be a couple months shy of the 12-month minimum (which also means I might not get the short-term disability I'm paying extra for). All I can do is try to prove over the next several months that I'm an integral part of the team so they feel like they couldn't possibly replace me.

[libellula]

Yeah I am also in Utah, so I had to check this myself. There are MANY reasons companies can get out of FMLA here. It's ridiculous. Sorry you have to go through that!

[elvendork]

Under ACA you can do special enrollment if you lose your job or have a life changing event such as having a baby. Your new insurance will be starting right after your employer insurance ends. I did this last month, the new insurance is covering everything with the pregnancy and follow-up care for my husband's broken arm - including the second surgey he will need. Call Healthcare.gov they will get you signed up!

[MaddiesMommie14]

Wow, that s*cks! They should atleast honor their word with some kind of grandfather clause; I'm assuming you were pregnant before the merger. I really hope your old HR rep is able to work something out for you!

[mhill070]

Thats the thing that makes me so mad i did ask questions alot of them, and i was told that they would be willing to work with me and that i would at least be able to take 6 weeks unpaid. Which i was fine with but then we merged with a new company and got an additional HR and thats when things changed. My original HR is fighting for my side and she is currently taking others to see what wre can do with me being so close to my one year mark.

[MaddiesMommie14]

FMLA can vary among different organizations. For a lot of companies they require a year of employment and give you 6 weeks. And it's not always paid. It's unfortunate the company didn't discuss their policy with you but it is your responsibility to read over all new employee materials and ask questions during or soon after new employee orientation. You can apply for Medicaid through your state for you and baby if your husband can't add you to his. I hope everything works out hopefully your position will still be waiting for you or you are able to find a job with a better company when the time comes.

[mhill070]

Yeah i live in Utah and that doesn't kick in until you have worked for a year and i will be a month short. :(

[sprmom87]

Have you looked into FMLA (Family Medical Leave Act)? It allows you 12 weeks of unpaid medical leave and the job has to allow you back in the same position and pay as long as you return within the time frame.