https://boards.hellobee.com/ Pregnancy, Baby and Parenting blog, by Hellobee en Tue, 12 May 2026 20:31:46 +0000 https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/on-maternity-leave-and-just-got-laid-off#post-2594601 Thu, 28 Jul 2016 14:06:20 +0000 winniebee 2594601@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@YogiRunner: Truly sucky situation. Just be sure that your lawyer files a claim with the state employment discrimination agency and/or EEOC within the proscribed statutory time frame. In Massachusetts for example, it's 300 days after the last adverse employment decision taken against you and if you don't file with the administrative agency first, it precludes you from filing a lawsuit later. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/on-maternity-leave-and-just-got-laid-off#post-2594520 Thu, 28 Jul 2016 13:11:27 +0000 YogiRunner 2594520@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@LBee: Yup, I don't think they are violating FMLA, but I do think there is a strong inference of discrimination since the only other person laid off is pregnant. It's actually so blatant that it's hard to prove they'd do something so archaic and backwards. Filing for discrimination is tempting to some degree but this shit is really hard to prove. At this point I just want them to be careful with these decisions in the future and maybe even treat people as humans on the way out... </p> <p>But @LBee: you bring up a good point about the legality of laying someone off on leave. Almost everyone I spoke to was like "they can't do that! Is that legal!?", but it actually is under FMLA if it's a business decision they would have made either way. Again, proving the reason for the layoff is discrimination is just really hard. But I would have thought the threat of litigation would be enough for them to move a little on their severance policy. I don't know about others who were let go coming back and making a stink, didn't they sign that away in their severance agreement?</p> <p>Even though this sucks sucks sucks, I do find everything I'm learning in the process kind of fascinating! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/on-maternity-leave-and-just-got-laid-off#post-2594493 Thu, 28 Jul 2016 12:52:26 +0000 T.H.O.U. 2594493@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@LBee: I think that is what I was trying to say as well. If they modified the package for you, they would open themselves up to either indicating they did something wrong in the first place and opening them up for all other employees that want to negotiate their packages. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/on-maternity-leave-and-just-got-laid-off#post-2594456 Thu, 28 Jul 2016 12:39:17 +0000 LBee 2594456@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@YogiRunner: @T.H.O.U.: I would think the exact opposite. They are saying that they followed the book (they eliminated what sounds like 2 people who did the same job who happened to both be going through similar life events) and that they can't change policy because of your specific circumstances. Doing so opens them up to litigation from other former employees (which is probably a much bigger pool) who would say that they had difficult circumstances as well. </p> <p>Companies are not precluded from laying off people on maternity leave. It is 100% allowable. Also, the fact they eliminated someone in your same position that was NOT on maternity leave actually strengthens their position as they can prove that you would have been laid off regardless of whether you were on maternity leave or not.</p> <p>It sucks and I'm really sorry, but I think any employment lawyer well versed in FMLA would say you probably don't have a very strong case. You might be able to go after them for discrimination, but they did not violate FMLA.</p> <p>ETA: I re-read your post and it looks like you were also coming back in a part-time position? I believe FMLA only covers you having the ability to return to the position that you worked in prior to leaving. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/on-maternity-leave-and-just-got-laid-off#post-2594447 Thu, 28 Jul 2016 12:31:52 +0000 YogiRunner 2594447@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@T.H.O.U.: Maybe... They said what they gave me is in their severance package policy, and they don't treat people differently no matter what their personal circumstance. Still, being pregnant and being on leave are what I'd call unique, protected class circumstances! I'm surprised they weren't worried about us pursuing litigation to be honest. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/on-maternity-leave-and-just-got-laid-off#post-2594299 Thu, 28 Jul 2016 10:23:42 +0000 T.H.O.U. 2594299@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@YogiRunner: Im sorry. I wonder if they aren't budging because if you do it would indicate a possible mistep in your layoff? </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/on-maternity-leave-and-just-got-laid-off#post-2594288 Thu, 28 Jul 2016 10:18:17 +0000 YogiRunner 2594288@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>Welp. They aren't budging. I'm going to reach out to someone who never came back from her maternity leave bc there "wasn't enough work" just to see if there was anything fishy in her case. Just angry that after 6 years of busting our butts for this organization and they treat us like dirt on the way out. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/on-maternity-leave-and-just-got-laid-off#post-2591358 Sun, 24 Jul 2016 09:59:17 +0000 Mrs. Pen 2591358@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@YogiRunner: just catching up on this now - but when I saw "laid off on ML" my first thought was they're definitely in the wrong... good for you for seeking legal counsel and I hope you can get a decent severance package out of this. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/on-maternity-leave-and-just-got-laid-off#post-2591352 Sun, 24 Jul 2016 09:43:07 +0000 Iced Tea 2591352@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@YogiRunner: Thanks for the update. Any word on your coworker? </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/on-maternity-leave-and-just-got-laid-off#post-2589750 Thu, 21 Jul 2016 11:43:48 +0000 YogiRunner 2589750@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>So I finally have an update as of this morning... I've hired an attorney who will negotiate on my behalf for better severance due to the truly crappy situation they've put me in. I am concerned that there was a bias against us because we are starting families, but right now we're just going to focus on getting more severance so I have more time to look for a new job with a newborn instead of going through any litigation. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/on-maternity-leave-and-just-got-laid-off#post-2588071 Mon, 18 Jul 2016 20:22:49 +0000 Mae 2588071@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I'm so sorry :( I have no opinion about the legality of it but I just wanted to say-- I've been there! I lost my job the day I went onto maternity leave when I had my daughter. I freaked the f out. It sucked. I have no idea what industry you're in or what your financial situation is like, but in the end I decided to stay home for a while and went back to work when my LO was 20 mo old (I started job hunting seriously when she was about 8 mo old but I was super super picky about what I wanted and it took me a year to find that). I look back on the whole thing now as a blessing in disguise because I never would've taken that much time with my daughter otherwise, and I think I"m in a much healthier working environment now (one I don't have to apologize for my priorities at, where I came in saying: this is who I am and what I want and if you don't want me that's fine). I hope you find the same is true for you!</p> <p>(Not that you should let that discourage you from getting advice on the legality of the whole thing. Just hoping in the end this turns out better for you). </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/on-maternity-leave-and-just-got-laid-off#post-2588029 Mon, 18 Jul 2016 19:20:42 +0000 Iced Tea 2588029@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@YogiRunner: we'd love to hear an update, if you feel like sharing. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/on-maternity-leave-and-just-got-laid-off#post-2586288 Thu, 14 Jul 2016 12:33:43 +0000 Bluemasonjar 2586288@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>We had a round of layoffs and one of the people that was cut was on maternity leave and I questioned it at the time and learned that because it was due to budget that it was legal. However, only 2 layoffs and you are both starting families? I think talking to a lawyer is the right thing to do at least to get an opinion. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/on-maternity-leave-and-just-got-laid-off#post-2586281 Thu, 14 Jul 2016 12:20:58 +0000 Bibliolove 2586281@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>That sounds so shady to me. Good luck with talking to a lawyer. That's just not right! I'm angry on your behalf! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/on-maternity-leave-and-just-got-laid-off#post-2586275 Thu, 14 Jul 2016 12:11:10 +0000 YogiRunner 2586275@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@Mrs. Lemon-Lime: @MamaG: @PeaceLily: The fine print seems to say I'm supposed to get the same type of position when I return, unless they make cuts that have nothing to do with whether anyone is on leave or not. They could argue that they were going to cut me even if I didn't have a baby and was still there, which is legal. But the fact that the only other person laid off is pregnant is what really infers discrimination. And I know this isn't the first time their pro bono lawyer (it's a non profit) had to be involved over a layoff.</p> <p>@looch: so I got 6 weeks paid, which i used in addition to STD and PTO. I believe they already paid out the parental leave benefit so I guess they just need to pay out the rest of the PTO I accumulated? </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/on-maternity-leave-and-just-got-laid-off#post-2586240 Thu, 14 Jul 2016 11:15:17 +0000 PeaceLily 2586240@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>This doesn't sound legal to me. While you are on maternity leave I thought your job was supposed to be protected and you weren't able to be laid off or fired. At least that's how it works under FMLA (Family and Medical Leave Act). This is really sketchy! </p> <p>I'm sorry you are going through this. :bummed: </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/on-maternity-leave-and-just-got-laid-off#post-2586180 Thu, 14 Jul 2016 10:02:23 +0000 Alba4 2586180@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I'm so sorry. What terrible timing! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/on-maternity-leave-and-just-got-laid-off#post-2586151 Thu, 14 Jul 2016 09:30:08 +0000 MrsKoala 2586151@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>How shitty! I'm so sorry! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/on-maternity-leave-and-just-got-laid-off#post-2586150 Thu, 14 Jul 2016 09:29:47 +0000 MamaG 2586150@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@YogiRunner: I was wondering about FMLA as well, is your leave protected? </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/on-maternity-leave-and-just-got-laid-off#post-2586134 Thu, 14 Jul 2016 09:13:44 +0000 edelweiss 2586134@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>i'm really sorry to hear that. f*ck bridges, i'd talk to a lawyer about your options--good call on getting a referral from your friend. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/on-maternity-leave-and-just-got-laid-off#post-2586103 Thu, 14 Jul 2016 08:41:33 +0000 looch 2586103@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@YogiRunner: If you get laid off while on ML, do you still get paid through the end of your leave...assuming it was paid? </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/on-maternity-leave-and-just-got-laid-off#post-2586101 Thu, 14 Jul 2016 08:40:14 +0000 Mrs. Lemon-Lime 2586101@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@YogiRunner: is your leave through FML? I thought that protected people and guaranteed a similar job upon your return? Your situation sucks, I'm sorry! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/on-maternity-leave-and-just-got-laid-off#post-2586097 Thu, 14 Jul 2016 08:32:42 +0000 YogiRunner 2586097@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I had the best boss in the world, but she left for some soul-searching, and then they hired her replacement at the VP level just a few months before I went on leave. Her resume included coming into organizations and making them more efficient, so I should have known, I just really don't think cutting 2/3rds of your leadership team who had the most tenure was a smart move. Now she has like 6 individual contributors under her with no one to delegate their management too. Nothing about this even sounds strategic. I'm starting to believe the cuts were targeted to those starting families. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/on-maternity-leave-and-just-got-laid-off#post-2586010 Wed, 13 Jul 2016 22:38:15 +0000 Mrsbells 2586010@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>wow this doesnt sound right </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/on-maternity-leave-and-just-got-laid-off#post-2585989 Wed, 13 Jul 2016 21:40:50 +0000 YogiRunner 2585989@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>Thanks guys. I really don't want this to happen to someone else, so will probably talk to a lawyer next week. This sucks! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/on-maternity-leave-and-just-got-laid-off#post-2585959 Wed, 13 Jul 2016 21:02:14 +0000 Amorini 2585959@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@YogiRunner: So sorry for the curve ball! I know you were gearing up to head back soon and now this... now to mention the headache of dealing with a sketchy situation with an employer you probably like well enough (if you were there for 6 years). Just repeating what others have said, but it's definitely good to get some legal opinions and know your options. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/on-maternity-leave-and-just-got-laid-off#post-2585950 Wed, 13 Jul 2016 20:47:01 +0000 Iced Tea 2585950@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>Even if you aren't sure yet, I would at least meet with the lawyer. They can assess the information you have and let you know if you have a good case or not. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/on-maternity-leave-and-just-got-laid-off#post-2585944 Wed, 13 Jul 2016 20:37:44 +0000 winter_wonder 2585944@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>Ugh, I'm sorry. Something definitely seems off if it was just you two. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/on-maternity-leave-and-just-got-laid-off#post-2585923 Wed, 13 Jul 2016 20:16:47 +0000 littlebug 2585923@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>Dude, I'm so sorry. Definitely sketchy. I'd move forward with at least speaking to a lawyer, even if your coworker doesn't. Don't worry about burning bridges. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/on-maternity-leave-and-just-got-laid-off#post-2585918 Wed, 13 Jul 2016 20:12:16 +0000 FancyGem 2585918@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>So sorry to hear this. This is very shady. Something similar happened to my cousin and she ended up settling out of court. </p>