I think I was threatened at work today

[monroedm]

@gracee0510 She needs to talk to an employment lawyer, not a human rights lawyer.

 

[gracee0510]

@monroedm Human rights is a subset of employment, no? Yes this is potentially constructive dismissal, but also discrimination (which is why I suggested human rights). Most employment lawyers do human rights stuff as well - I’m not referring to Amal Clooney type HR lawyers.

Edit to add - family status and pregnant/nursing are protected grounds. I have practised in employment law before.

 

[monroedm]

@gracee0510 She is in the US so she would need an employment attorney. It’s been a while since law school but from my recollection pregnancy/nursing is not a protected class in the US and therefore not discrimination. If it was discrimination we call them “civil rights” attorneys in the US not “human rights”. Here human rights attorneys are the Clooney ones! Ha!! There are employment laws that can help her though.

 

[gracee0510]

@monroedm Ah, different terminology. I’m shocked family status isn’t a protected ground … that seems crazy. I wrote the first comment without knowing she was American. Makes sense.

 

[jonpheretic]

@diamondoutofdust Whatever you do DO NOT QUIT. This is an easily winnable case.

 

[motherhen]

@diamondoutofdust I am really sorry this is happening to you. Please keep us updated. This woman is a terrible person. Does she have a superior you can go complain to?

 

[diamondoutofdust]

@motherhen Thank you. Unfortunately, she does HR also… I think I can go to the board but that feels really scary.

 

[neen1]

@diamondoutofdust Don’t be scared. Stand up for yourself. She is putting herself in a bad situation. If you get fired the settlement will be huge. You are a mom now. Time to get brave

 

[micky123]

@diamondoutofdust Go to the board. She is putting the company at risk of a very expensive lawsuit.

 

[savedbythelight]

@diamondoutofdust You got some amazing advice, get stuff in writing and sue them.

 

[dave567]

@diamondoutofdust You stand your ground.

That old bitch needs to be fired. And involved in a lawsuit. Do not quit!!

 

[ebeccaray]

@diamondoutofdust Advice?

Send a wonderfully kind follow up email that summarizes your experience:

Hi, Janice,

Thank you for meeting with me to discuss the conditions of the pumping room provided.

From our conversation, it is my understanding that no space without chemicals or a chair can be provided, and that if I am to seek these accommodations it will require a medical professionals assessment, otherwise I should plan to be terminated or quit.

I was surprised by the course of conversation, I am sorry it was so upsetting for you. It was shocking to be spoken to as though I am unreasonable or faking a need to pump postpartum.

I appreciate your guidance and support as I undergo this journey and look forward to a strong and psoriasis working relationship moving forward.

Then go to HR and find an attorney.

 

[chris239]

@diamondoutofdust Not sure if you can sue (yet) but DEFINITELY call 1-866-USWAGE and report this/get guidance on how to proceed.

 

[gracee0510]

@chris239 Still discrimination, even if she’s not in the USA.

 

[kunjax]

@diamondoutofdust You may want to consider contacting your state EEOC and filing a complaint for discrimination since the Pump Act falls under their purview. But an employment lawyer can help you write a good letter to them too. Actually, you should at least have a consult with an employment lawyer and talk to the EEOC.

 

[ebeccaray]

@kunjax EEOC will take years to pick up her case.

 

[stevent]

@kunjax For the record, the EEOC is toothless. Generally state/local human rights agencies are more effective.

 

[stevent]

@diamondoutofdust What state are you in?

 

[diamondoutofdust]

@stevent MD

 

[stevent]

@diamondoutofdust Doesn't look like anything beyond federal but that should be enough for you!