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Expectant/Newborn Dads

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TOPIC: Problems with Paternity Leave

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DaddyJeff

Problems with Paternity Leave
3 Years ago

I notified my employer that I was planning on taking Paternity Leave, I implied that this would be awhile. When it got near to the birth, I let them know that it would be 6 weeks under FMLA. I ended up going back to work early, I was only gone for 5 weeks.

Regardless, I was punished for taking time off, and I ended up losing my job. Which is basically the reason that I ended up being a stay-at-home dad. It worked out in the end, and I am very good at my current "job". I like my work. This is all in the past. This is not a "complaint" or issue, my wife and I have discussed this and have NOT decided to take any legal action against my former employer, who will remain nameless (at this point).

QuestionL: Has anyone else faced any persecution or retaliation for taking paternity leave? Just curious.

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concretin_nik

Re:Problems with Paternity Leave
3 Years ago

Just because it worked out for you is no reason to let them get away with that. I'm sure it was a difficult decision, and the legal hassles and battle would indeed be frustrating... but I can't imagine a lawyer wouldn't jump at the chance of 10% of that settlement...

Good on ya for working past it. I'm sure I couldn't have.

No problems here though. Was able to stretch out 3 weeks (paid) to 5 weeks by doing half days and evening shifts the last two... was also able to split it up... one week when born, and the 4 weeks of half time 8 weeks later. My boss was very cool and accomodating (still is) and at a University, they are very diligent about following the law, even though I didn't technically use it for any unpaid leave.

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DaddyJeff

Re:Problems with Paternity Leave
3 Years ago

To clarify: I ended up quitting, I was not fired. But still, I was clearly demoted (even though they denied it was a demotion) and then pressured to leave. I still go back and forth about what to do about it, because although it has been awhile since this happened, we are still within the statute of limitations.

Sometimes I think about the greater issue, so to speak, and think I should take a stand for all dads, that employers should not get away with this kind of thing. Think about it, this wouldn't have happened if I was a pregnant woman. And fathers get the same protection under the law.

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ben

Re:Problems with Paternity Leave
3 Years ago

I don't know. I'm sure that my wife has been held back on some paper-only promotions because they would happen before maternity leave. With the first child, she got the promotion as soon as she returned, but with this one she should have a promotion right now, but they are holding off until February, when she'll get back. They get to use the excuse of the economy, but her role is important enough that they essentially halt progress when she's gone, even a half day.

It's nice to find such a rewarding non-career path career, isn't it?

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