can my position of employment and benefits be terminated whilst on maternity leave?

Answer 1

Family Medical Leave Act. If it happens you can sue for violation of that.

Answer 2

If being on maternity leave is the sole reason: no
If you fail to properly notify the company of you rmaternity leave, or fail to follow company procedures while on maternity leave (for example, your company may require periodic notes from your doctor that you are unable to return to work): yes

If the reason for termination is something that occurred PRIOR to you taking maternity leave, then the company has a problem. They CAN fire you at any time for disciplinary reasons; however, firing you DURING maternity leave will LOOK suspicious (as in "lawsuit by you" for wrongful termination).

Answer 3

It depends on the reasons given. If it is part of an overall downsizing, etc. and you are not being terminated BECAUSE you are on maternity leave, then they can. As long as you followed proper procedures for taking the leave and were granted it, etc. then you should be protected from termination for most other reasons. If you've not kept them informed or violated any policies while on leave, then you are on shaky ground.

Answer 4

If in the U.S., then you might be protected under the Family leave act. Check it out at the U.S. Dept. of labor on the net, or call, the number should be in the blue pages of your phone book. The Family leave act only covers your position, not your benefits. Hope it helps, congrats on the child.

Answer 5

Not in the states. That is a no-no. General labor laws and ADA ( yes, under ADA it is listed as a disability ) prohibit this type of action. Go get them, they are heartless, take them to the cleaners.

Answer 6

It can if the laws in your area allow it to be.