Anyone familiar with laws having to do with being a single parent & the work place?

Question

I have recently separated from my husband and I have custody of the children (ages 3 & 7) The father moved out of state. I just recently move to this area and have no family here. My boss said he would work with me on my schedule as far as the hours I worked due to the fact that most daycares close at 6pm and are only open mon - fri. Since this all happened the manager quit and the temp. fill in manager isn't helping me out at all. Is there some law somewhere that protects my position (I'm lower managment)

Answer 1

no
the law does not allow for daycare accs time, as it not a national mandate like FMLA is, therefore you are not considerded a special and protectec class like the handicap or other that fall under such protected classes. depending on the value to your employer these are just he exact reason why some do not like hiring single mothers ( though that in it's self can be discrimination due to martial status ) due the frequesnt time off or ealry leaves which tend to create friction in any given company and can be counterproductive to the over all workplace. if however you are a salaried and exempt employes you still might have some min work hour required by your employer to get you job requirements done. That is something you may want to talk over with your new mananger to convince him you can hit all your workload on a shifting or reduced hours, you might have to stay late or work weekends to make up for it , but that would be your best shot rather than to cry wolf ( which make you seem weak in the workplace and you be sooner to the unemployment line because of it ).

Answer 2

Being a business owner myself, I can tell you from experience that you are not legally afforded special treatment because you chose to have children. There are plenty of companies that offer in-house daycare or flexible schedules to parents, but it is not your right under the law. The only legal right in reference to having a child you have, is that you cannot be terminated for taking a pregnancy leave. By giving you a special schedule, other people get screwed. Having children is a choice. It's not like being handicapped. Find a position with a more family-friendly company. It will make your life much easier.

Answer 3

No, that would be discrimination then wouldn't it? I don't know what type of business you are in, but if its a 24/7 why should you get preferential treatment because you chose to breed? You need to look for more daycare support. They are out there for those that have to work weekends or swings, or mids. Perhaps you should give up your title and go to a lesser job if you can't fulfill the requirements of the job. I'm sorry I don't have much sympathy, but I've seen too many women that want equality but also want the preferential treatment too. You can't have it both ways.

Answer 4

I'm basically in the same situation as you so I understand your frustration. No there are no laws in particular to help single parents. there are lenient companies out there though. If you're having problems maybe you should consider looking for a job that is more flexible and accommodating. I know it sounds easier said than done, but there are good companies out there that don't mind you leaving when necessary. You can also try asking this new supervisor to allow you to come in early so you can leave early.

Answer 5

Such laws would not be fair to the business owner. Just as you have daycare concerns, the business owner has customer concerns, other employee concerns and so on. To the best of my knowledge no such laws exist.

Answer 6

Women are protected under the law with regards to work. Thus, you should talk with your superior to respect your rights.

Answer 7

Depends on what state you reside in.
Texas is an at will state, so employment can be terminated for any reason.