Why do i feel like my boss had very little right to ask me these questions??

[emma26]

I have just returned back to work from already being on 7 months maternity leave.
While on maternity leave i fell pregnant again (unplanned). I called my boss and informed him straight away that i would be returning back to work pregnant. My job is not easy, can be quite stressful, demanding, whole 8 hours on your feet running around the entire time as i work in aged care. I informed my boss of my pregnancy 12 weeks ago.

My first day back i was pulled into the office by my boss and supervisor and was asked many questions about my plans this time around ... How long am i back at work for? How long are you taking off for maternity leave? Will you be returning back to work AT ALL?.
All of these questions i could not answer except for the one that i would most likely be starting my ML (which by the way i have to provide him with 10 weeks notice prior to starting my ML .... I am only 19 weeks and i will be leaving at 34 weeks as this is what is in my award ... boss knows this already)

I felt like i was being pushed into a corner..

Has a boss/supervisor ever quizzed you over your plans of your maternity leave long before you have too?

[missie_mack]

They cannot force you to leave work at 34 weeks, they can however ask you to provide certification from your employer that you are safe to work. Forcing you on parental leave is illegal. If you find that your work is too demanding you are also entitled to ask for a transfer to a safe job.

Whether or not you know the answers to their questions you are under no obligation to answer them. If you feel you are being harrassed you are entitled to ask for a support person to attend or cease the meeting at any time until you are able to obtain one. They aren't meant to treat you less favourably than someone who isn't pregnant or going on leave, whether that be directly or indirectly.

ETA I meant certification from your Dr not the employer, sorry baby brain lol

[emma26]

Thank you for you response, it was very helpful missie mack

[MrsR2012]

admittedly they cannot be rude, forceful etc to you and i can understand why you felt like a target by the conversation.

However. From a boss point of view. Id be cranky. Legally, im not allowed to be and I hence would have to treat you exactly the same and would but inside, Id be annoyed.

Only because I would have thought after Mat leave I would be having my trained and experienced staff member back for good. Then when she comes back (even though you told him earlier) she is 19 weeks and plans to leave in another 14 weeks again for yet another - 7 or so months off ? ( I dont know the conditions of course). So ... my staff member has returned for practically 3 months before leaving again for the best part of another year.

From purely a business point of view, Its bad for business. As a boss, Now I need to source a new staff member etc and hope they turn out etc. Ive had several people come and go from my workplace purely because the job wasnt right for them (hours etc Its a shift work position) ... Sometimes It can take up to 5 cycles of a new staff member before one stays more than 3 months. It does my head in!

Its your life and your body and i completely congratulate your 2nd edition. Hell. Im jealous! Im still ttc number 1 and anyone would be super excited for u!

This opinion is ONLY from a book keeping / money making / owner point of view. Not my person view. You do NOT deserve punishment, rudeness etc. Not at all. But from a bosses perspective. I can understand why unfortunately he gave you the 3rd degree.