Forum Pregnant and working

Angry employer

7 replies

HanneGuest ·
Hi everyone,

I'd really appreciate some advice from you all. I'm almost 6 weeks pregnant with our first baby and absolutely thrilled about it. Until now, we've been blessed with conceiving quite quickly, and we're hoping things stay that way.

However, last March I was transferred to a different region for work, and I soon ended up on sick leave due to burnout. My boss was very angry about that. I returned to my role fairly quickly and, against all odds, got my contract extended. Now, right after my extension, I'm pregnant, and my employer is quite upset. I feel guilty and really awful about this, and I know my chances of getting a permanent position (this is my last contract before I need to secure one) are pretty much gone. I'm finding it hard to be happy about the pregnancy, and I deliberately told my employer early so they could arrange for a replacement in good time. How do you all feel about this? Do you think it's fair that my boss is angry?

Replies

  1. miszmars #2

    I don’t think it’s fair at all that your boss is so angry. Not even when you got a burnout. That’s not something you chose to do yourself, you know. Really stupid.

    Now, with your pregnancy, I could understand if your boss wouldn’t be happy about it, but getting angry isn’t nice. By the way, it’s really nice of you to let him know so quickly; he should actually be happy about that!

    By the way, a pregnancy should never be the reason you don’t get a new contract, okay? Just so you know.

    Good luck with your annoying boss!

  2. hanne Guest #3

    Thanks for your quick reply. Unfortunately, I also know that they’ll just find another reason not to give me a permanent position—like the crisis, for example. And now I’ve heard from a reliable source that my employer is even looking into ways to get rid of me to hire someone else. Can they fire me now that I’ve told them I’m pregnant? I told my employer verbally, and since I only have a statement from the midwife for now (I won’t have my first ultrasound for another 3 weeks), I don’t have anything in writing confirming that I actually informed my employer about my pregnancy. I’m worried they’ll fire me later and just claim they didn’t know I was pregnant. What are my rights? It’s really sad because I’m so happy, but being full-time, my joy is quite dampened by my employer’s behavior. I also have to go to the office next week for a meeting. It’s all really unpleasant.

  3. Esra♡♥ #4

    Hi Hanne. That's a tough situation. You should send an email to his address stating that, following our verbal agreement, you will also provide written notice that you are pregnant and that you will submit an official declaration in three weeks. That way, you'll have it in black and white, and he'll know for sure. It's also always useful for legal purposes to be able to prove things.

    You can also gather information from a trade union and explain the situation. If you have to go to an office for a meeting, always ask for a third person to be present. You have the right to do so. If you have any more questions, feel free to ask. I have experience with this and knowledge of the subject. If things really start to spiral out of control, you can sign off sick due to psychological issues, and in that case, he can't fire you or terminate your contract anyway. Xx, Esra

  4. Marlies #5

    That's really tough for you.
    I'd definitely email him, with a read receipt attached. You'll need to check Google on how to do that.

    That way, he can't claim he didn't read it either.

  5. Miss Butterfly Guest #6

    In Belgium, I know this isn't allowed. If you're pregnant, you're protected and they can't just fire you. That doesn't apply to a contract ending, though: it just expires, unfortunately.

  6. Anonymous Guest #7

    During your pregnancy, you have dismissal protection, and your employer can't fire you. As mentioned above, it's wise to send an email or letter confirming your pregnancy, referencing your earlier verbal notification.

    You can always contact the legal advice desk for free advice. Good luck and enjoy your pregnancy!

  7. Chelsea #8

    Of course, you're well within your rights on all counts. But I can totally understand how frustrating this must be for your employer: having an employee who keeps calling in sick, meaning they have to find a replacement and train them in, so the employer ends up with double costs. Despite your solid reasons for being absent, as a boss you'd probably have had enough. That's quite understandable, isn't it?

    I happen to know an employer who has a few employees who actually call in sick for 10 or 11 months a year, and only come to work for 1 or 2 months. In this way, they can't be fired, but they still cost money, and replacements have to be found for them. Well, these people are doing it for the money, so maybe it's a bit different, but what does an employer really gain from such employees? An employee is supposed to bring money into the company, not drain it.

Add your reply

Share what helped you, or ask a question.

Sign in to join the conversation.

Continue with Google

Takes a moment. You’ll come straight back here to reply.