This might be a bit of a long shot but I am thinking of coming back to TR after 2 years away (I know I know... ) and I understand that I will get my seniority back as long as it is within years.
Does anyone know if this also applies to maternity leave (US based) or do I still have to be there for 6 months in order to qualify even though I had 7+years of tenure?
I left and came back in less than 5 years and got my seniority back. Left in 2006 and came back in 2009. As far as I know the policy has not changed. Best thing to do is ASK HR.
I don’t know how true the 1 year policy is. A colleague of mine recently came back after being gone at least 5 years and their prior seniority has remained. Maybe it’s an exception though.
It is a 1 year cap to return for seniority continuation. You need to have whoever told you that check the sources and get that in writing. Everything will start over as a “new employee”
I’m sure your coworkers will appreciate you taking a job you only plan to perform for a few months before taking maternity leave. Then I imagine you won’t come back to work after being paid during the leave. I’ve seen this happen multiple times. I’m glad we have a generous leave policy, it is sad to see it abused.
OP edit: I was told you get your seniority back if you return within 5 years.
Why come back onto this sinking ship? There are much better opportunities out there. At the least, make them an option of many.
You said "I understand that I will get my seniority back as long as it is within years" ? I was a boomerang as well, but you must return within 1 year to get benefits/seniority restored.