Tuesday, November 3, 2009

They Fired Me...

First off I have been working through a staffing agency for this company over 6months. I have been told more than once I'm the top person on my supervisor's team. I have never been written up or in any kinda trouble.

I tell the HR Manager yesterday I'm pregnant and need to see the high risk doc, that I will work around my schedule and work with my supervisor if I need to leave early, come in late, etc.

Today I got a call half hour before work. I am no longer needed. You cannot tell me I wasn't fired because I'm pregnant. There is no other reason. And because I was still through the agency they can do anything they want.

I am devestated. We can't afford to even miss one check and now here I am stressing about being pregnant, praying everything goes ok...and now I don't have a job.

I am so depressed. I know it's not good, but what else can I be?

21 comments:

trennia said...

can you get unemployment?
it is wrong what they did I'm sorry..

Kate said...

SUE THEM! It's illegal to fire anyone because of pregnancy.

Journeywoman said...

Seriously go and find out if you can sue them.

This is dead wrong.

One of the biggest misconceptions about a lawsuit is that you would have to work there afterwards. This is not true, they will just have to pay you.

Good luck.

Mrs. Higrens said...

Un-freakin'-believable. That's not right!


LFCA

JuliaS said...

This is so wrong.

Sending you my best wishes that everything works out for you.

Here from LFCA

Anonymous said...

I'm so sorry. What they have done is illegal. Go sue them!

Hang in there...sending you some hugs from LFCA

Lynn said...

I'm with everyone else on this issue! What they did is definitely wrong and should be illegal! I'm not sure what recourse you would have with a lawsuit though, with it being through an agency, but I think its definitely worth looking into! I'm still in total disbelief of their actions.

I'm sending lots of thoughts your way. I hope things work out for you soon so you can concentrate on the pregnancy and not have to worry about this situation.

Anonymous said...

What they did WAS wrong and I think they fully took advantage of the agency and the situation.

Unbelievable. This makes me sick.

I'm SO sorry.

LFCA

S said...

I'm sorry you are dealing with this.

I don't know the legal resources in your area, but as an attorney, I would encourage you to find someone who specializes in employment law and at least meet with them to discuss whether you can pursue a case. Some attorneys will take these cases on at no up-front cost to you if they believe that your claim has merit.

Hugs to you and my prayers for a full-term, uneventful pregnancy.

Rose's Daughter said...

I am dealing with the same thing. But they waited until I was 28 weeks to "eliminate" my position. Bullshit. It's been hard, because no one would hire me becuase I would have been delivering in the next 10 weeks. I live in Georgia, which protects the employer, not the employee, so there was nothing I could do about it. But if you can, SUE THEM!!! And if you can get unemployement, DO IT!
Good Luck

Here from LFCA

VA Blondie said...

I am so sorry. How terrible for you. I agree that you should look into a lawyer and see what your rights are.

RELH said...

Wow! You need to look into this.. did they even follow procedure?!?! I hope things get worked out for you!

LFCA

Jendeis said...

I'm so sorry. Even if they do have the right to fire you without cause, they cannot do so if the reason was your pregnancy.

I know that many people do not want to get involved with lawyers, so I would highly recommend contacting the EEOC or your state's discrimination commission online or in your area. Even if your employers are allowed to do what they did, they and the government need to be put on notice.

Anonymous said...

I am so sorry you're going through this.

I work in HR, and can't believe a company would be so blatant. It's a misconception that a woman can't be fired when she is pregnant, but it is illegal to fire an employee BECAUSE she is pregnant. Often companies will say it was a business reason unrelated to the pregnancy, but in your case, the timing is highly suspect. I'm not an attorney and also don't know the terms of your arrangement with the agency, so don't want to offer legal advice, but I will say this. If you are an employee of the agency (versus an independent contractor), and the agency has at least 15 employees, then you may have a claim under Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964. I agree with Jendeis - either check with a lawyer or you can contact the EEOC directly.

My thoughts are with you and your family - it's hard to believe companies would do this kind of thing - but sadly, they often do. Good luck

luna said...

Echoing the choir here -- major discrimination lawsuit. Boy are they dumb. I know it's a hassle but I bet you will win. Good luck.

Beautiful Mess said...

Here from LFCA*

I'm so sorry! I can't believe they did this! It's just SO mean and unfair!

Many prayers coming your way.
*HUGS*

Anonymous said...

Here from LFCA...

I'm sorry. I'm thinking of you and hoping things will all work out. And I agree with the other commenters--sue them if you can. Even just the notice that you're looking into legal action might help that evil company realize just how in the wrong they are.a

Anonymous said...

From LFCA...

I'm so sorry. I agree with the other posters about finding out your legal recourse.

Good luck.

Michele said...

OH honey, this is completely illegal. You should let them know you are filing suit against them. A lot of lawyers will be able to take cases with compensation only when you win settlement. I'd pursue that. It totally isnt fair.

jill said...

Linking over late from LFCA...

I agree - completely illegal. I'm sorry that happened. How awful :(

Wishing you lots of luck and sending *hugs*.

tonya said...

Unbelievable that illegal shite like this still happens. You are in my thoughts, whichever route you take.