Pregnant with issues at work?

Question

I am currently pregnant and have told my employer. I have just heard that from my direct boss that the director will speak to me next week about them wanting to change my position. I am currently a manager in an insurance company and there are no risks or other reasons why I cant do my job. If they insist that I take a different role how do I stand? I have tried to look all over the internet about changing a contract whilst pregnant but I cant seem to find anything relevant. Any advice would be really helpful as I dont want to lose my position and practically be demoted just for being pregnant!!

This is for Veritas - I can see by your reply that you obviously have never had a well paid high status position which is why i can see you are unable to relate!! Not all mothers want to give up their career because they have children!

To me I see this as a demotion as I am currently a manager and my new job title will sales adviser and I will not have any member of staff under me, where as currently I have 10!

Answer 1

I found this link http://www.eoc-law.org.uk/Default.aspx?page=3002 which explains discrimination under the Sex Discrimination Act 1974

This is a direct quote:

S3A(1) SDA provides that there is unlawful discrimination if:

at a time in a protected period, and on the ground of the woman’s pregnancy, the person treats her less favourably than he would treat her had she not become pregnant; or
on the grounds that the woman is exercising or seeking to exercise, or has exercised or sought to exercise a statutory right to maternity leave, the person treats her less favourably than he would treat her if she were neither exercising nor seeking to exercise, and had neither exercised nor sought to exercise, such a right

Answer 2

It is only legally considered discrimination if the position to which they are moving you would be considered a demotion. You cannot do anything until you know what they want you to do. They may just be preparing for the eventuality that you will be gone for some time and unable to work. Make sure that they know that you are interested in returning to your position after maternity leave.

Answer 3

I had the same problems at work they tried to make me take a job with lower pay because I had to sit instead of stand all day and they didn't want to give me a stool to sit so I then had to tlak to my doctor again and she said it is definitely illegal to discriminate against pregnant women in the work place there is such a law called the FMLA (family medical leave act) and the EOE (equal opportunity employer ) that can help you and I'm sure your doctor could help you contact one of these if need be once I threatened my employer with these they totally backed off and gave me a stool to properly do my job

Answer 4

It is against the law to discriminate and/or "punish" you with demotion for becoming pregnant. As long as you are able to do your job they can NOT change your job.

HOWEVER...if the position they're offering you is at the same rate of pay, is equally as safe as your position now...that's another matter entirely.

Best of luck...and I think I'd start looking for a different company to work for if they're going to act like that!

Answer 5

They are making their decision based on what's best for the company, and that's as it should be. A pregnant woman should not get preferential treatment.

The fact is, even if you can still work, you will be taking time off for appointments, and then need maternity leave. Both of these factors WILL affect your work, whether or not you want to admit it.

Besides, you might not be getting a demotion - probably just a different position with about the same rate of pay.

So be open-minded and look at it from your employer's perspective. At least they are looking out for you by finding another position for you instead of suggesting you get a job elsewhere.

Be aware that nothing stays the same once you become pregnant (and have a baby). That includes your job.

To LEXI - Sorry that you feel that way. Motherhood is the most important job in the world. At the end of your life, you will look back and see that it was more important for you to be there for your child every day....and not that you had "10 people working under you." What's more important to you? Power and prestige at your job, or the love of a child and the satisfaction of being a full-time mom?

And did I ever say you had to give up your career totally? Of course not. You read into my answer. It's a fact that thousands of woman are full-time mothers and do work from home (I am one of them), or are able to give up a career totally by making some material sacrifices.

Answer 6

you would be high quality. My buddy had intense blood rigidity till now she have been given pregnant and all they did replace into video reveal it regularly. There are secure drugs you are able to take in addition. Abortion isn't the respond. stay centred and communicate on your surgeon approximately this. issues will artwork out for the main suitable. good success.

Answer 7

I don't see any reason why they couldn't ask you to handle different responsibilities. If it was in the companies best interest and your pay or hours don't change Im pretty sure they could do whatever they wanted. It's not fair, but it may be better for both you and the company.

Answer 8

It's time to consult an attorney BEFORE you go to that meeting. An attorney will support your rights and you should consider having them come to that meeting as well to represent you and be your advocate. Your employer CANNOT legally demote you for being pregnant. That doesn't mean that they aren't going to try.

And, don't let them put you on the so-called "mommy track" either. If you want future advancement based on the quality of the work you perform, DO NOT get stuck on a "mommy track" because it's basically stagnation until You get sick of it and quit (that's what they count on).

I'm sorry you're going through this. Just be sure you make copies of and document EVERYTHING. Any emails, faxes, etc. Also, you may want to get a small tape recorder and record phone coversations and meetings so that there is a record of those as well.

Best of luck!
Peace,
Jenn

Answer 9

By rights they cannot change your position unless you ask for it. im a priosn officer and i had the decision to move my position as i was a risk with the prisoners.
you have more rights than anyone in the company now your pregnant, so dont let them rule you or try and boss you around as the rules in pregnancy are very strict. express how you feel and they will have to listen. your rights change when your pregnant, and should be treated fairly.

Answer 10

I would call discrimination. Beign pregnant doesn't mean you can't do your job the way you've done it until now. Check with the dept. of labor in your state to find out if what the boss wants to do is legal. If it's not, then fight for your rights.