Eligible for maternity leave?

Question

I have been working for the same company for nearly 7 years now. Earlier this year, I left the company for a new job which I stayed at for 6 weeks before returning to my previous company. ( my new manager fought to get me back in a new role) . Due to the circumstances of me leaving, it was agreed that I be reinstated at original tenure, meaning my years of service counted towards benefits I was eligible for, PTO accrual, etc. I rejoined my old company in April of this year. The problem is, I have just found out that I am pregnant and am worried that this 6 week break in service will void my eligibility for maternity leave with this company. In the last 12 months, I have indeed fulfilled the minimum hourly requirement for maternity leave. Does this 6 week break make a difference? I want to check with HR, but I am only 9 weeks along and don't want to raise a flag too early. The ironic thing is that my manager is currently on maternity leave, returning when I finish my first trimester.

Answer 1

As a general rule of thumb, no pregnancy under 12 weeks should be announced, whether it is to family members, or an employer. Why? because within the first trimester is when the most things can go wrong, and the pregnancy is more likely to naturally be terminated. (sounds horrible, but its true.) After the 12 weeks, feel free to alert your employer of when your expected due date is. If you have all of the required hours necessary for Mat leave, then the 6 week stint of changing jobs will NOT be an issue. All they care about is hours, so that they can pay you appropriately. Last year I started a new fulltime job in April, and soon after that became pregnant. I let my employer know at 3 months, and was instantly promoted to a safer position within the company (From a paint shop, to a secluded department with an easier job!). Do not worry about the hours my dear, and good luck with the baby :) I wish you all the best.

Answer 2

i wouldnt say anything to your employer untill you are past your 1st trimeste...unless you work for a company that could be harmful to your baby...but about the leave if your employment status is going to be returned like as if you never quit then you should be ok...even though by law you are allowed 12 weeks of maternity(6 of them unpaid) leave as long as the company have 50 or more employees...After your first trimester i would check with your manager.

Answer 3

Paid leave is up to your employer, but the family medical leave act states they have to give you 6 wks. for a vaginal delivery and I believe 8 wks. for a c-section. Good luck.