Wrongful Termination or Pregnancy Discrimination?
I notified my employer that I was pregnant (about 4 months along) and three weeks later I was terminated due to “unsatisfactory job performance”. Keep in mind I live in Florida which is a right to work state, however, I was never given any warning my job was in jeopardy. In fact, every reason that was given to me as a means for the employer to support the decision to terminate me, is inaccurate if not completely false. I was employed in a male dominated industry, (construction equipment rentals-national company) with an outside sales rep’s responsibilities. I have had numerous complaints regarding this employer and after several instances finally called HR to file a complaint. The HR manager I spoke with was one of the names given as a source of support for my termination. There is so much more but this is the gist of my situation. Your help would be appreciated. Oh, FYI- I have already contacted the EEOC & according to them I qualify to file a claim against my previous employer
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3 Responses to Wrongful Termination or Pregnancy Discrimination?
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http://www.eeoc.gov/laws/types/pregnancy.cfm
Make sure you document everything like how your work relationship was before and then how it was after you told them. When things go south after a pregnancy announcement, especially if everything was going fine before, it’ll be a nail in their coffin. If you need help documenting, click here to find out how to document problems at work.
If the EEOC does not pursue this matter themselves and give you the right to sue, click here to find an employment law attorney in your area. If you’re worried about the atty’s in your area being in cahouts with your employer, find an attorney in another town.
If you were fired for getting pregnant your employer has violated title 7. Complete your compaint with EEOC. They will try and resove the dispute with the employer. If they cannot, they’ll eventually give you a right to sue letter. I would suggest you contact an employment attorney, explain the facts to him and follow his advice during this process.
I think it would be a good idea for you to talk to someone about this. A good place to start would be by going to the Florida Commission on Human Relations (FCHR) website (see the link below)
http://fchr.state.fl.us/complaints__1/employment
The website contains a link that brings up a map — if you roll-over the county you live/work in, text will appear telling you whether you should contact the FCHR or the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (the federal entity).
I am assuming that you are an at-will employee, which means your employer can fire you without cause. In your case, however, your employer appears to have given reasons for terminating your employment that may not be accurate, which may undermine the legality of your employer’s actions.
Good luck!