People often misinterpret employee protections to mean that they are immune from termination or retaliation for the duration of their protection. But that isn’t true. A typical example is pregnant employees. You are probably aware that your boss cannot fire you because you are pregnant. But, your employer is entirely justified in terminating you for a different reason, even if you happen to be pregnant. This post will go over the difference and how you can protect your rights.
The operative issue that needs to be discerned is why you were fired. If your employer fired you because you were pregnant, that is illegal, and she could be subject to fines from the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC). But, if you were fired because you were chronically late or incompetent, and you also happened to be pregnant, that is not illegal.
The critical issue is proving the reason your employer fired you. Employers often employee smoke and mirrors to distract EEOC investigators and attorneys from the true reason for the termination of a pregnant employee. The key is to find the evidence that pierces through this smoke screen and reveals the true intention of your former employer.
Getting fired is a tough feeling to get over. The feeling of desolate loss sticks with you for a long time. But it is important that you pick yourself and get back to life. If you were pregnant when you were fired, you might want to contact a lawyer to help you review your rights. Employment discrimination is a serious concern for pregnant employees. Just when you need a reliable income to support your child, your boss pulls the rug out from underneath you. You don’t need to accept this result without a fight; an attorney can help you secure fair compensation.