https://boards.hellobee.com/ Pregnancy, Baby and Parenting blog, by Hellobee en Fri, 22 May 2026 18:12:20 +0000 https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/ugh-work-and-maternity-leave-issues/page/2#post-2305014 Tue, 29 Sep 2015 10:10:31 +0000 Anagram 2305014@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@iluvboba637: they make me pay double insurance payments when I return, until the months I took off are repaid. Makes sense, but still sucks. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/ugh-work-and-maternity-leave-issues/page/2#post-2304367 Mon, 28 Sep 2015 14:49:45 +0000 iluvboba637 2304367@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I'm in CA and in my district the 6wks disability and 12 weeks FMLA run concurrently. We do however HAVE to use my sick days even if we have private short term disability insurance. And then after we have depleted out sick days, then we have to pay out own healthcare because they don't have anything to deduct from since we don't have a paycheck. It was very annoying and will be again soon. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/ugh-work-and-maternity-leave-issues/page/2#post-2304363 Mon, 28 Sep 2015 14:45:45 +0000 Anagram 2304363@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>And of course, this directly affects me because I'm allowed to use sick days after my disability insurance runs out, but before child rearing leave starts (which is unpaid). My insurance pays only 4 weeks so I should be able to use 10 days sick leave to pay for the 2 remaining weeks of disability. But they are saying I can't get paid using those sick days because I only get 4 weeks of disability. UGH. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/ugh-work-and-maternity-leave-issues/page/2#post-2304362 Mon, 28 Sep 2015 14:44:25 +0000 Anagram 2304362@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>Just wanted to bump this to say...surprise! I am still having issues. I'm on mat leave now, and I just received a letter from them saying my return-to-work date was moved up 2 weeks because I am only supposed to get 4 weeks' disability.</p> <p>I have been around and around with them...and by law, the doctor determines a disability period and my doctor gave me 6 weeks--(which is totally standard for a vaginal birth, right???). SO I am fighting the fight...again. Sent a response back saying they were counting my leave period wrong again. </p> <p>When I sent my ORIGINAL letter with my maternity leave intentions 6 months ago, we had this whole discussion. I estimated 6 weeks disability + 12 weeks child rearing leave (allowed by NJ law) and back then they also tried to tell my it was only 4 weeks disability.</p> <p>And here we are again. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/ugh-work-and-maternity-leave-issues/page/2#post-2113484 Wed, 18 Mar 2015 17:10:34 +0000 Anagram 2113484@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@jetsa: nope, I think it's worked out and I get to take that time.... But it won't be official until I submit my leave paperwork which I won't do till April probably. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/ugh-work-and-maternity-leave-issues/page/2#post-2113388 Wed, 18 Mar 2015 15:38:13 +0000 Woolly Mammoth 2113388@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>There's a similar law in Washington state, and it works just like you want it to. I took 6-8 weeks for disability (it was 8 weeks because I had a cesarean), then 12 weeks for taking care of my newborn.</p> <p>Good for you for insisting on your rights. I was lucky in that my company didn't argue about my leave at all. Of course I think it helped that my son was born at the beginning of our slow season - I think they were happy they weren't having to pay me during the winter. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/ugh-work-and-maternity-leave-issues/page/2#post-2113337 Wed, 18 Mar 2015 15:06:20 +0000 jetsa 2113337@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@Anagram: Has anything else happened on this? </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/ugh-work-and-maternity-leave-issues/page/2#post-2056034 Thu, 05 Feb 2015 15:04:31 +0000 2PeasinaPod 2056034@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@Anagram: Good for you for challenging your HR. It's women like you who pave the way for others to be sure that they receive the benefits they're entitled to. </p> <p>I would be sure to site all of the laws that you did to HR to begin with, and then also let them know that should this be denied, you would be happy to take this back to the NJ attorney general of civil rights to file an official grievance. I would also reference your conversation with HR since she was very clear not to put that in writing. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/ugh-work-and-maternity-leave-issues/page/2#post-2056032 Thu, 05 Feb 2015 15:03:42 +0000 jetsa 2056032@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@avivoca: good idea! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/ugh-work-and-maternity-leave-issues/page/2#post-2056028 Thu, 05 Feb 2015 15:02:48 +0000 avivoca 2056028@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@Anagram: I would send a follow-up email to her reiterating what was discussed during the phone call. Add the time she called and any other things, because I have a feeling you will need to have this information in writing in some form. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/ugh-work-and-maternity-leave-issues#post-2056019 Thu, 05 Feb 2015 14:56:21 +0000 jetsa 2056019@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@Anagram: wow. She seems confused. Keep us updated of what the board says! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/ugh-work-and-maternity-leave-issues#post-2056013 Thu, 05 Feb 2015 14:53:43 +0000 Anagram 2056013@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>Further update: I notified HR of my pregnancy today and in a longish email, I attached the state law and said I intended on taking 6-8 weeks of STD (depending on what type of birth I have and my doctor's not), then 12 weeks child rearing through NJFLA.</p> <p>I got a call--immediately--not an email that would be in writing. The HR person said I could only take 20 days disability, unpaid.</p> <p>I said that wasn't what the NJ attorney general of civil rights said was correct for NJ state law--a workplace cannot determine disability periods, only a doctor can. And I also said I have short term disability.</p> <p>Then she came back and said I *can* use sick days (this was 100% off the table in my previous pregnancy) and that then I guess the disability leave would be according to my doctor, followed by 12 weeks child rearing leave through NJFLA.</p> <p>Oh wait, first she said I wouldn't be eligible for NJFLA since I just had a child--I had to explain to her that my child is 19 months and by next school year it will be more than 2 years.</p> <p>In any case, she asked for a formal written letter stating my leave intentions, so they can be board approved or denied (her words. Can they deny? I mean...it's the law).</p> <p>Weird. So I'm going to write a formal letter stating my intentions of having a disability period of 6-8 weeks pending doctor's note-- where I may or may not use my accrued sick days--followed by 12 weeks unpaid NJFLA leave.</p> <p>She seemed flustered. I asked if I *have* to use my sick days, and she said no one has ever NOT used them---and I said last time, I was told I can't use them, so I didn't use them....and then she seemed flustered again. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/ugh-work-and-maternity-leave-issues#post-2054240 Wed, 04 Feb 2015 15:00:49 +0000 JoyfulKiwi 2054240@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@Anagram: that's amazing! Good for you for being persistent &amp; advocating for your rights! I wish more mothers (myself included) were that tenacious. I hope the rest of this process goes smoothly. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/ugh-work-and-maternity-leave-issues#post-2054219 Wed, 04 Feb 2015 14:51:14 +0000 Mrs. J 2054219@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@Anagram: I'm so glad you contacted them! That's good news for you. I HAVE to use all my sick time... I get STD, which kicks in two weeks after the "incident", and we are to use our sick time leading up to then. It adds up to 6 weeks, but the STD only pays 4, unless you have a C-section. Public school teachers in my area can save their sick time from year to year and use it towards their leave. Ours disappears at the end of the year. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/ugh-work-and-maternity-leave-issues#post-2054216 Wed, 04 Feb 2015 14:50:51 +0000 Anagram 2054216@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@mrswin: yeah, I specifically asked if I could ask anonymously! Because I totally don't want to make waves at this point. I figured I would get the information first, see what happens, and then go from there. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/ugh-work-and-maternity-leave-issues#post-2054214 Wed, 04 Feb 2015 14:50:08 +0000 mrswin 2054214@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@Anagram: I totally get that and I would likely take the same approach at this point. I was just curious if you were able to get the information "anonymously" or if you had to disclose your employer information. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/ugh-work-and-maternity-leave-issues#post-2054208 Wed, 04 Feb 2015 14:47:24 +0000 Anagram 2054208@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@mrswin: I declined giving my employer information at this point. She did say that if I have a problem with my employer complying, then to call back and file an official grievance but I'm a long way from that!</p> <p>I really like my job and love where I work, so my plan is to just show the new information in a nice way, tell them my intention of taking 6 weeks + 12 weeks, and notify my union of the new information also, and see what happens at that point.</p> <p>I got the actual "code number" of the Act that addresses this, so I'll include that so HR can read up on it. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/ugh-work-and-maternity-leave-issues#post-2054205 Wed, 04 Feb 2015 14:45:26 +0000 Anagram 2054205@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@blackbird:It makes me regret not researching more when I had my first LO. =( I had just moved from Texas to NJ when I got pregnant, and Texas maternity laws are pretty archaic so I just took what my employer said at face value without researching on my own.</p> <p>But now I know...research each state's own laws! NJ has a lot of protections in place that Texas does not have, at all. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/ugh-work-and-maternity-leave-issues#post-2054204 Wed, 04 Feb 2015 14:45:24 +0000 mrswin 2054204@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@Anagram: I'm so glad you decided to pursue this further and were able to get a clear answer. Did they open a "case" against your district? This obviously could have serious implications because the other parents were short changed. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/ugh-work-and-maternity-leave-issues#post-2054201 Wed, 04 Feb 2015 14:43:05 +0000 blackbird 2054201@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@Anagram: wow that's a huge thing you've learned! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/ugh-work-and-maternity-leave-issues#post-2054154 Wed, 04 Feb 2015 14:23:04 +0000 Anagram 2054154@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>Just an update: I contacted the NJ Office of Attorney General Civil Rights office today and I was told that I am correct, and my school districts' policies are not in compliance with state laws.</p> <p>As I suspected, after child birth a woman is entitled to Short Term Disability for however long her doctor will write a note (I think my doctor does 6 weeks vaginal and 8 weeks C-section), and that CANNOT run concurrently with NJFLA laws, which provide for 12 weeks of child-rearing leave.</p> <p>So I am indeed entitled to 6 weeks disability + 12 weeks NJFLA for child rearing. My employer is also required by law to continue my benefits and keep my job during this time.</p> <p>I've contacted my union for a follow up and hopefully will hear back soon. What makes me sad is I am literally like the 12th person pregnant in 3 years and every single woman has been screwed out of 6-8 weeks of time. </p> <p>Frustrating. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/ugh-work-and-maternity-leave-issues#post-2052649 Tue, 03 Feb 2015 15:11:58 +0000 yoursilverlining 2052649@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@Anagram: Right, but the event that triggers leave is the same (birth of a child) – it’s a disability under FMLA + bonding with child, but also covered under NJFML for childrearing, and it looks like your work’s rules are if the event if covered under both, then they run concurrent. That’s what I meant, sorry not clear. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/ugh-work-and-maternity-leave-issues#post-2052645 Tue, 03 Feb 2015 15:07:57 +0000 Anagram 2052645@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@Mrs.KMM: the state leave isn't for childbirth though--only childrearing, and I can take it anytime in a 24 month window. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/ugh-work-and-maternity-leave-issues#post-2052643 Tue, 03 Feb 2015 15:07:25 +0000 Anagram 2052643@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@yoursilverlining: No, it says NJF:A is specifically NOT for disability and can't run concurrently with fmla taken for disability. I'm mainly wondering about the 6 weeks after giving birth that doctor's write notes for disability. I am trying to get that 6 weeks, plus 12 unpaid weeks for childrearing, so I miss the whole first trimester of school. we'll see! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/ugh-work-and-maternity-leave-issues#post-2052637 Tue, 03 Feb 2015 15:04:29 +0000 Mrs.KMM 2052637@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I agree with @SeptMomma12: reading that it has to be separate events (something else to use FMLA and then childbirth to use state leave) otherwise the two run at the same time. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/ugh-work-and-maternity-leave-issues#post-2052604 Tue, 03 Feb 2015 14:51:47 +0000 JoyfulKiwi 2052604@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>It states they run concurrently, so I think that 12 weeks is all you're legally protected for. Can you take a "leave of absence"? my district also says sick leave can't be used past the doctors cleared date, because then we're just on "vacation". You know, the great relaxing, selfish vacation of caring for our newborn children. Jerks. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/ugh-work-and-maternity-leave-issues#post-2052598 Tue, 03 Feb 2015 14:49:57 +0000 yoursilverlining 2052598@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@SeptMomma12: That’s how I read it too. The disability is the same event for both – birth and after-birth care of a child, which is covered by both FMLA and NJFML, so they run concurrently. @Anagram: If you have a union though, bug your reps, and keep bugging until you get a response that makes sense to you / is clear. That’s what they are there for! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/ugh-work-and-maternity-leave-issues#post-2052597 Tue, 03 Feb 2015 14:49:56 +0000 tiramisu 2052597@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I don't live in your state, but my FMLA and state leave ran concurrently. If you do want to use your sick leave, I'd suggest asking your doctor for a note. I think a doctors note would qualify for use of sick leave. My doctor wrote me a note for one week before my due date till about 16 weeks after when I returned to work. She would have wrote it longer, but that's when I decided to go back. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/ugh-work-and-maternity-leave-issues#post-2052595 Tue, 03 Feb 2015 14:49:31 +0000 Anagram 2052595@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@ValentineMommy: @sunny: I could be added to my husband's plan, since childbirth is one of the "life events" that qualify to let him change his plan. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/ugh-work-and-maternity-leave-issues#post-2052590 Tue, 03 Feb 2015 14:48:35 +0000 LBee 2052590@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@Anagram: I think the pregnancy is regarding bed rest scenarios - for instance, I was on bed rest for 5 weeks. In this scenario, I would have the 5 weeks of FMLA and then after giving birth the FMLA would start running concurrently with NJFLA until the FMLA ran out. </p>