These women were laid off while on maternity leave. Yes, it's legal, and probably more common than you thought
It's never a good time to be laid off. Losing your job with a newborn can be especially hard.
TL;DR
- Women are experiencing disproportionately high job losses, with many laid off while on maternity leave.
- Legal protections such as FMLA are insufficient, as they only cover full-time employees at larger companies and do not protect against layoffs due to downsizing or closures.
- The current job market is challenging, with high living costs and weak hiring, making it difficult for laid-off workers, particularly new mothers, to find new employment.
- Loss of income and healthcare coverage are major concerns for new parents after a layoff, with options like COBRA or the ACA marketplace being potential solutions.
- Documenting interactions and performance reviews is crucial for individuals who suspect discrimination played a role in their layoff while on leave.