Crooked Bosses

I found out that I was pregnant just a week ago. Very early in the pregnancy and anything can happen. I was going to wait to tell my boss about it( who is an attorney), but I could not hide it because I get very sick in the mornings.

I told him two nights ago. He was super nice, he took glasses out to toast and etc. and told me I can go whenever I need to and just let him know when I am not feeling well etc.

He told me that he and his wife decided(who was my best friend) that 2 weeks before my due date they will lay me off. He said not to tell anyone. And he will hire someone part time while I will be home with the baby. He said it will give me 6 month unemployment and then my job will be here again.

Sounds like a really nice boss doesn't it! Well, story to it, he did this with the secretary who was "laid off" just like this last year. He laid her off while she was pregnant saying he had money issues. Two weeks later he sent her a letter to offer her position back. Of course she could not take it right then, so her unemployment got terminated and she had no insurance and was out there and trying to figure out what to do. I know he is planning on doing the same thing with me. I can see that clearly! What can I possibly do? Specially against an attorney?

Once again, it's time for the Evil HR Lady's disclaimer: I am not a lawyer. I have never been a lawyer. I am not a legal expert, I am simply an evil hr lady.

That said, this guy is pond scum and I'd like to see him busted.

From your letter, it sounds like this is a very small law firm, and therefore FMLA wouldn't apply to him. (Unless your state has different regulations.) Therefore, he's under no obligation to keep you as an employee during a maternity leave. But, he cannot fire you because you are pregnant, which is precisely what he is planning to do. (He would have to treat you the same as anybody else who had a disability. Although, given his track record, he'd probably just fire everyone, so this may not apply to him.)

Businesses are charged for unemployment, so that would be why he wanted his former secretary off it.

First of all, you need to document everything he says about this. Second, you need to start looking for a new job immediately. Even if things work out with him, you don't want to work for him. If he's unethical with his staff, he's unethical with his clients and you want no part of it.

Third, contact your local EEOC (Equal Employment Opportunity Commission) and speak with them. They can give you guidance and they may even wish to take up your cause. If you'd like, you can contact the former secretary and ask that she do the same.

Since the lawyer's wife is (was) your best friend, did you not have an idea of what this guy was before you started? Frequently, in jobs (and other relationships) we ignore all the flashing warning symbols because we're convinced that we have the special power to make everything all right. You don't. I don't. People that are sleazy can't be trusted with anybody, even you.

So, start looking for a new job. Talk with the EEOC. And good luck with the pregnancy.