I'm obviously Fat. Will they lay me? Err off?
22 replies (most recent on top)
"Very obviously pregnant". Don't ever assume a rotund woman is pregnant. Obviously pregnant and obviously fat are interchangeable, so it makes no matter which you are because your physical state doesn't factor into layoffs.
COBRA is the current medical benefits for up to 18 month but at the full cost + a small percentage to manage (2%). Estimate $500 one person, $1000 two person and $1500 family (monthly). And if you haven't already done so, complete the paperwork for FMLA. FMLA covers employees before, during and after pregnancy. ConocoPhillips is not known for an understanding of federal labor laws but a case with the EEOC certainly would have value. But you must complete the FMLA paperwork prior to the layoff (not after).
There is no preference given just because you are pregnant. It is not the company's problem. I would check into any COBRA benefits the company may offer which is an extension of your medical benefits but you will need to investigate what benefits COBRA pays. It is also more expensive most times than your previous employer subsidized insurance. Do not wait until the last minute.
Now is not the time to let hubby take a ride in the clown car.
Apple Faces Age Discrimination Lawsuit - InformationWeek
www.informationweek.com/wireless/apple-faces-age.../d/d.../1094615?
Dec 3, 2010 - The complaint alleges that in 2009, the EEOC found sufficient cause to believe that Katz had been denied a promotion due to his age.
This is just an example.
The EEOC website also has examples of cases finding that men were paid more than women for "like" jobs, AND the employers were chastised for retaliation against employees for discussing and comparing salaries.
ConocoPhillips Is Sued by EEOC Over Pregnancy Bias (Update1 ...
www.bloomberg.com/apps/news?pid=newsarchive&sid=a3DKrBuP3rv8
May 27, 2008 - ConocoPhillips, the second-largest U.S. oil refiner, violated federal law by discriminating against two pregnant women employed at Phillips 66 ...
This is just one example of many such cases, several of which deal with pregnancy. Go to the EEOC Website.
They'll lay you off. #1 you are going to cost them money for maternity leave. #2 they know they can't lose a lawsuit when you sue and they say we told all the offices globally as well as the municipalities and governments that layoffs were occurring due to economical conditions. You could be a pregnant minority with a masters degree making $20k less than average and cutting you is as easy as cutting a $250,000 white male doing nothing.
Depends how high up in the company baby daddy is.
The legal answer is that they won't' lay you because you're pregnant. But being pregnant won't prevent you from being laid off. They won't feel sorry for you.
The legal question is will they lay me off because I am pregnant.
Will they let me go if I'm very obviously "Blank". Insert your favorite word, (Black, Latino, Short, White, etc) in the blank and see how asinine it sounds.
If you're not on fmla, it's perfectly fine. I don't see why you should get special treatment either way. That shouldn't be a factor. People who are telling you to be sneaky and try to get fmla just to avoid getting laid off are shady and clearly don't care that there may be better qualified people than you. Layoffs suck, but this is a terrible oil economy and it's happening all over. There isn't a nice way to do it and feelings will get hurt. It clearly brings out the inner, bratty child in many.
you are pregnant but not yet on FMLA so you are not protected. how far are you along ? ask your doctor to see if he can write a note that you need to be home until the delivery for whatever risk or high risk pregnancy, then you will be protected until you get back. as soon as you get back to the office though they can let you go immediately.
Assuming you are a US employee go to the EEOC / Department of Labor site and research. The Labor Department is none too pleased with ConocoPhillips.
Do you think you deserve special treatment for being pregnant? I think your pregnancy shouldn't be a factor either way regarding being laid off. Getting pregnant was your decision.
Yes. I was on medical leave. With a disability. But. That's not why they cut me......They did it because of "performance" ...blah blah. Cop. Knows how to layoff people. They cover their Ass. Good luck to you.
Anonymous 171465 ~ This is so subjective. They aren't supposed to consider lost productivity during FMLA used to cover maternity leave, but WAKE UP, they do. Trying to prove it is impossible. Discrimination of any kind is difficult to prove, because management guards their written and audible communication VERY carefully.
That would be discrimination against men, sterile women, gays, transgenders, un-pregnant women and probably many more. Just be a HERO and do your job better than the other person you are competing against. You are fair game in the layoff world even if you are on your death bed after being dropped off by Life Flight.
Be prepared. The company does not care if it is against the law. They have let go those on FMLA which is supposed to be a protected group. They have broken age discrimination laws. They have also broken laws to protect those with disabilities. I hope for the best for you. Hopefully, you are a young, good performer. I know the young people are very nervous during the layoffs, but keep in mind the company is trying to change the workforce dynamics to include only the very promising, young, new hires who are paid much less than their older counterparts. In addition, COP is reducing the grade requirements of all positions held by older, more experienced staff. It is all about MONEY. The want to do more for less (cost).
If your pregnancy is a factor in their decision, that is illegal, but if you are laid off as part of criteria for everyone or your position no longer needed it isn't illegal.
Don't think so... It'a against the law...and if they call you to the conference room, go straight to the hospital and get a sick leave ;-)...then sue the bastards if they do...