Is it fair whenever a woman takes an extended maternity leave count as time on the job? Three years ago, coworker started work around the same time as I did but only one month before me. She went on maternity for her first child and took six months. During that time, she did not work. After coming back for a short time, she again took another six months of leave for baby #2. In 3 years, she's actually only put in 2 years of work at this company. A window office has come up which has not happened in 5 years. Since she started the job one month before me, she has seniority and therefore has been assigned the office. Is this fair? Awards are also given on everyone's anniversary w/ the company. Is it fair that she gets a 3 yr award when she's only worked two in actuality?
I'm only wondering what people think. I know it's legal but is it fair?
2006-12-27 07:54:22 · 12 answers · asked by Paddington 2 in Politics & Government ➔ Law & Ethics
I am 100% certain she did not work. She does not have access to our network from home and managers here respect the fact that if you are on leave, you should not be working. Also, the work that we do cannot involve someone staying at home for a six month period and do the type of job that is required.
And if the case was a man with an extended illness or family situation, then my question would still be the same. I think people should only be credited for the time that they did work. People who do show up for work every day should not be penalized for that. People who choose to have children should not be penalized either but they should not be entitled to seniority or awards for time on the job when they were absent for a year.
Finally, I don't think telling me that when I have children that I would do the same is not really the issue.
Thanks for the responses so far.
2006-12-28 00:27:26 · update #1
No, it's really not fair. Especially the part about the office. It's one thing to hold a person's job, but she was not WORKING at the job for a cumulative year during that time. I think that should count for something.
2006-12-27 08:02:57 · answer #1 · answered by danl747 5 · 0⤊ 2⤋
I just had to respond to "dirtybird" above. There's a woman in my office who is pregnant and due in January. She said and I quote because I was there when she said it, "I'm expecting. I'm only good until noon. There's no way I can do anything in the afternoon because it's not like I can pump myself up with caffeine in the afternoon like everyone else." So I wouldn't necessarily think that Maleah's co-worker is "busting her ****." This is not to say that pregnant women aren't working hard just thought I give you an example.
As to the question, is it fair? No, I don't think so. Just think of how much more experience you're gaining because you're actually in the office every day and the clients (or customers) or whoever you're meeting and influencing because you are working. How sad to see an office where as soon as she gets it, she won't even be able to occupy it until she gets back.
Don't worry about others saying you're jealous about not having kids of your own right now. They don't know your situation and frankly, they didn't answer the question! People are always thinking you must be jealous just because you asked about something. Good luck with the office. You never know what will happen!
2006-12-28 00:41:05 · answer #2 · answered by pathfindercia 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋
No it is not fair but I am sure they look at your job performance as well. Not everything is given to those that have seniority. She may have a little more experience than you or whoever was up for promotion. Life is not always fair you make the best of what you have and strive for better. Who cares what award she was given she should be given the same credit just as if she was there. They relied on her retuning to work and she has done so. She may have done some work at home while she was off that gave her the advantage to get the promotion and her award. Stop sounding so selfish. You will have children some day and want the same treatment right.
I think they made the best decision for their company.
2006-12-27 08:03:49 · answer #3 · answered by daisygirl 3 · 1⤊ 1⤋
maternity leave is important to mothers and it makes an ordinary employee become a lot more loyal to a company. it may not be fair now but when it's your turn you'll understand. and men should be greatful that their wives can do this because putting a 6 week old child in day care is dangerous. there are a gazillion germs floating around daycares. it's best for a child to keep them at home for a while. i'm not a femenist but i'm greatful there are family oriented companies out there that can see families are important. use your head, ok? you work for a good company. it will pay off for you too.
2006-12-27 08:03:46 · answer #4 · answered by jyl l 2 · 1⤊ 1⤋
It's sort of a gray area and I'm going to have to think about it, in all fairness. As the below poster indicates, it would be nice if she would at least do some part time work, home work or something.
In one regard caring for the children is important, and in another regard special rights seems to exist, that would not be granted to you as a single person for whatever is important in YOUR personal life.
UPDATE:
Okay, I've arrived at my decision, and it is based upon ramman's response below.
If the company would give a man the same consideration for an extended illness, then her time off would be fair. If, however, the company would not do this, then it's not fair and it involves Special Rights for Women.
If the latter is the case, the company needs to be taken to court and sued for discrimination (and fat chance the people suing would win under Feminist Jurisprudence that the feminists have instigated upon our legal system).
2006-12-27 07:57:04 · answer #5 · answered by Joe C 5 · 0⤊ 3⤋
How do you know if she has or has not worked from home during that time? Or what her review was like? Perhaps it was better than yours and that is why she got the office?
She's been with the company for three years so yes she should get the three year award.
Have you talked to your supervisor about this issue?
2006-12-27 10:37:15 · answer #6 · answered by Terri 7 · 1⤊ 1⤋
Maternity leave for women for thier first child is fair. But going on maternity leave repeatedly again and again for thier next child is not at all FAIR especially when someone is working.
2006-12-27 08:18:23 · answer #7 · answered by concreterabbit 3 · 0⤊ 1⤋
No it's not fair. She should have to pop that kid out and return to work the next day. Otherwise, she shouldn't get that time counted.
I'm sure if it was a man that had been off for an extended illness, his time would not have counted.
2006-12-27 08:02:46 · answer #8 · answered by ramman 4 · 3⤊ 2⤋
I think its fine, you shouldnt get so up tight about it. as a women in the office and in the real world i bet she busts her *** both ways. you might want to take a step back and worry about yourself maybe thats why u dont have kids of your own!
2006-12-27 08:05:26 · answer #9 · answered by dirtybird22 1 · 1⤊ 1⤋
do you actually know that she has put in no time (not at home, not part time, nothing) at this company during her maternity leave?
2006-12-27 07:57:17 · answer #10 · answered by smm 6 · 2⤊ 1⤋