Working women often find it very difficult after being pregnant. There are lots of responsibilities she has to fulfill both at personal and professional end. But pregnancy doesn’t mean giving up your job. Hectic schedule in professional front would tire you immensely and you need to plan everything very carefully. What if your job require lots of traveling. Whether or not to Travel if you are pregnant?
There are many questions which boggles your confused mind. Most of the times it has been observed that when a working women shares her expecting news with joy to her boss , the response may not be immediate but ends up asking her for a resignation. Becoming pregnant is not a career disaster.
You need to understand and know some of the benefits you are entitled to if you are pregnant.
Rights – You must be Aware off
If you are employed in an organization and then become pregnant, know that you are entitled to some rights. Government across the globe have maternity benefits approved in their law. According to such act, a woman who is employed with any company is entitled to six weeks of paid leave. Her employer must not give her any work for six weeks, beginning from the day of delivery. In addition, after resuming work, she should not be assigned any difficult tasks or be given any work that involves standing for long hours.
You can decide when you want to take your six weeks of leave. Generally, women opt for around two weeks before delivery and take the rest after giving birth to the baby. Note that six weeks is the minimum. You may be entitled to more leave, depending on your company policy. For example, many companies allow a woman to take up to three months of maternity leave. In addition, you may also be able to combine other leave like casual leave, privilege leave, etc.
Keep the Employer In Loop
The Maternity Benefits Act is applicable to all working women, irrespective of the type of organization they work in. However, a woman can only be eligible to claim maternity benefits if she has worked in the organization for a minimum of 80 days (depending on country law) before her due date.
Initially, it is all right to verbally inform your employer about your pregnancy. However, to officially claim the leave and other benefits, you must write a formal letter to the office. The letter should include how long you have worked for the company, your expected due date, and the starting and ending dates of your leave.
The date of submission of the written notice to the company will depend on company policy. Some companies insist on submission before your delivery while others will allow you to do so after giving birth. Even if you forget to give a written notice, you are still entitled to all maternity benefits offered by your workplace.
As an employee, you have some responsibilities too. Firstly, you should know what the company policy is and what benefits you are entitled to, well in advance. This can avoid any misunderstandings when you apply for your leave later on. Secondly, give your notice letter well in advance. It gives your office time to find someone to do your work. It also gives you time to hand over your duties and minimizing the possibility of work-related calls while you are on leave.
Preventing Discrimination
A woman cannot be dismissed from the service of the company for being pregnant. Sometimes, the company may ask you to tender your resignation. You can refuse to do so. Remember that no company can terminate your services on grounds of pregnancy. You are also not supposed to be dismissed while you are on maternity leave. Your employer also cannot change or modify your working conditions without your approval during the leave period.
If you are dismissed from work for reasons relating to your pregnancy, you can file a case in the Industrial and Labor Court, under the Maternity Benefits Act. The court will then initiate legal action against your employer. Depending on the circumstances of your dismissal, you will receive the appropriate monetary compensation. In addition, your employer may also be jailed for a maximum of three months.
Using the Maternity Benefits Act, you can find the best option for your working needs.
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