Maternity Leave

Pregnancy and childbirth are celebratory experiences for a family, but they can add complications and stress in the workplace. Pregnancy emphasizes gender differences in a place where there should be no discrimination, and it can occasionally cause tension in the office. Becoming familiar with the regulations that are in place regarding maternity leave and fair compensation for qualified employees is important for all workers.

Qualifications for Maternity Leave

The qualifications for maternity leave are outlined in the Family and Medical Leave Act and state that employees can use up to 12 weeks of unpaid time off for extenuating family circumstances such as pregnancy. To be eligible, an employee must have held his or her position in an office of at least 50 people for 12 months and put in 1,250 hours before becoming pregnant, or work full time for a government agency. For employees in other situations, many companies will allow them to use their earned time off as maternity leave, as long as they give a certain amount of advanced notice.

An employee is guaranteed the same position and pay that they had before maternity leave once they return to work. Employers are not allowed to revoke benefits, pay, hours, or job duties based on leave due to pregnancy or childbirth.

Contact Us

It is against the law to discriminate against a woman who is pregnant or requires maternity leave. If you have been mistreated because of your pregnancy, contact the Houston employment lawyers of the Ross Law Group at 713-482-6910 to speak to someone about your legal rights.