Boss making life difficult!

**aimsy** · 31-05-2008 20:10

Hi Everyone

I hope you guys can give me some advice!

When i was 4 months pregnant i told my boss and i had only been working in that job for 5 months so i was upset that i was concerned because i wasnt entitled to maternity leave but i didnt want to leave my job, anyway luckily i had a great boss and we were able to work out that i would take 3 months off then come back 3 days a week (as i would be able to manage the workload in our opinion, i work alone so there's no backup).

But then shortly after, he resigned as he got another job which was a shame he was a great boss. So now i have a new boss who's just started and has informed me his wife will be filling in while i'm away as they've just moved here and she doesnt have a job, then continued on that he doesnt approve part time work and that i'll need to come back full time but the impression i'm getting from the constant reminders of this and constant information about his wife needing work is that he's bullying me out of my own job! So basically now i have 3 months off after the baby's born, then i'm straight back at work 40 hours a week! Which i will do because a jobs a job. But I am angry that i think i'm being pushed into this purely becuase he wants me to quit so his wife can have a job (she must not be much of an employee if her husband has to fight dirty to get her a job!) I dont even think i have any rights to cover me over this... Im just so dissapointed, angry and concerned about what will happen if i can't cope 40 hours a week then i'll be out of a job! Not to mention I wont see the baby all week

But i guess he has the final word? He's only been there 5 days and so far i've cried every day. Not a good start hehehe. Im also angry cause i feel like i dont need this kind of stress now, i'm already too emotional!!

Does anyone have an idea of what plan of attack to take, i would appreciate any suggestions!!

Thanks everyone
aims

**kas3** · 31-05-2008 22:35

Sorry you're having to deal with this aims. It certainly isn't fair that you were told one thing by your old boss and something different by your new boss. But unless you have something in writing regarding going part-time, I don't think there's anything you can do legally. I am currently in full-time employment, but will be going on maternity leave (a mix of paid and unpaid) for twelve months in September. I'm hoping that my employer will agree to me coming back half-time after the twelve months, but they're not obliged to. I don't want to go back full-time either. I'd still like to be in paid employment, but I figure half time will be about all I can manage with a small child. I hope things work out for you. I know you really like your job, but if you're new boss won't budge, I'd be looking for a new job.

**Just*Mia** · 02-06-2008 01:27

Do you work for a big named company?? What is your workplaces Mat Leave policies as you boss could be saying anything to suit himself..

Check it out if you havent already as most places these days generally like to help out working mothers and accomodate them with a roster that works when they return...

Good luck, what a nasty piece of works he is..

**WorkingClassMum** · 02-06-2008 08:33

Can you get in touch with your old boss, and does he have any sway? Could the old boss give you something in writing backdated (a bit cheeky I know)

Can you go above the new bosses head and have a confidential chat to some-one else?

Do you work for a large corp or a small business?

Good luck - it's not fair that a pregnant women can be treated this way

**millymel** · 02-06-2008 09:33

This is not fair !

I am on maternity leave from a full time position at the moment but I am only going back part time soon

Full time is alot with a little baby but if you dont have any thing in writing from your previous boss it might be a little tricky

maybe you could say you are coming back full time and then find a better job thats part time with a NICER boss

good luck

let us know how you go

**khdance76** · 02-06-2008 15:44

Hi aims, oh I really do feel for you

Its a really hard one. Legally, employers have to keep open a position for you of the same 'level' as what you held prior to taking maternity leave. There is nothing really concrete in law yet regarding part-time return to work, howver it is improving. There have been a few legal cases which women have won the right to return to work part-time as there was no reason why the job couldn't be performed as a job share. Many employers now are understanding the value of allowing parents to return to work part-time, however there are plenty who are still in the mindset of full-time or nothing.

If you feel your role could be performed part-time or in a job share arrangement, get a case together and put it to your new manager. You never know, he might come around!

Alternatively, speak to your HR people (if you have them) or a more senior manager for advice. As he is new, he might not be aware of all the policies etc in your workplace.

If it isn't going to happen, I would consider looking at temp work once you are ready to work again. They can be flexible and offer a middle ground until you find that ideal part-time role!!

Best of luck!!!!

**aimsy** · 02-06-2008 21:51

Hi Girls!

Thanks for your input! I have been trying to think logically about it and not get upset!
Its only a small work place, but a large company if that makes sense. But so far what i can gather, those of you who've said legally i dont have much to stand on are right

but if he stuffs up and crosses the discrimination line its another ball game! hehe.

I wanted to ring my old boss but its not fair to put it on him, he's in a new job trying to settle. Im not as angry as i was the other day about it, but i am still concerned. I think i will sit back for a copule of weeks and see what else is said before i do anything. I think I need to work out my options and whats going to be the safest plan for me to take?

I appreciate everyones comments!! its good to bounce things off people, otherwise who knows what crazy thing id come up with on my own hehehe

**missie_mack** · 02-06-2008 21:57

If other people have been given the opportunity to return to work part time this could be classed as discrimination based on pregnancy...... Firstly my advice would be to have everything put in writing and if they decide not to budge......

There is more information that it would depend on which state you are in and if you come under state or federal workplace legislation (usually if you know what award you are employed under which should be in your employment letter it would indicate this)
You can PM me or post back here this data and I will find the appropriate information you require

**SalTheGal** · 02-06-2008 22:16

What a bummer of a situation to be in....sounds like you had a great relationship with your old boss.

I agree with a PP that maybe see if there is someone above or sideways that you can discuss things with, especially if he is looking to employ his wife over you, he would surely need to be careful about having his wife under him as it could be a conflict of interest.

Unfortunetely apart from appealling to the goodwill of somebody somehow you don't have many other options though.

**emdem78** · 04-06-2008 02:24

Originally Posted by aimsy

Hi Everyone

I hope you guys can give me some advice!

But then shortly after, he resigned as he got another job which was a shame he was a great boss. So now i have a new boss who's just started and has informed me his wife will be filling in while i'm away as they've just moved here and she doesnt have a job, then continued on that he doesnt approve part time work and that i'll need to come back full time but the impression i'm getting from the constant reminders of this and constant information about his wife needing work is that he's bullying me out of my own job! So basically now i have 3 months off after the baby's born, then i'm straight back at work 40 hours a week! Which i will do because a jobs a job. But I am angry that i think i'm being pushed into this purely becuase he wants me to quit so his wife can have a job (she must not be much of an employee if her husband has to fight dirty to get her a job!) I dont even think i have any rights to cover me over this... Im just so dissapointed, angry and concerned about what will happen if i can't cope 40 hours a week then i'll be out of a job! Not to mention I wont see the baby all week

But i guess he has the final word? He's only been there 5 days and so far i've cried every day. Not a good start hehehe. Im also angry cause i feel like i dont need this kind of stress now, i'm already too emotional!!
Does anyone have an idea of what plan of attack to take, i would appreciate any suggestions!!

Thanks everyone
aims

Sorry I can't give you better news but I had a similar situation after DD. I worked for a large bank and although it was "policy" to allow returning mums to do a stint part time, it was ultimately up to your particular manager. My Sh*t of a boss said "come back FT or not at all". DH is a lawyer so I explored every possible right but unfortunately it is perfectly legal to do this

.

I know it sound a bit naf but have you considered seeing if a local journalist wants to run with the story?? Even a local suburban rag paper... Most businesses hate the idea of of neg exposure

. Otherwise, are you in a union? I'm not really into unions myself but I have seen them master some pretty good "pester power" for stuff like this- esp since you had an agreement with the previous boss. Plus, you should ask your boss why you can't job share with his wife if she's so great

.

Anyway- know you're not alone as unfortunately this happens a bit from what I hear, But the squeeky wheel get's the grease so if you feel like you have no other alternative squeek REALY LOUD IMO