Home > Research Legal Advice > Wrongful Termination > Is it legal to terminate an employee after returing to work from FMLA?
Asked almost 3 years ago - Chicago, IL
FlagTwo weeks after returning to work from FMLA (birth of a child), I was told my position was being eliminated due to a reduction in workforce. I was to work until May 29th to transition my job to another employee on my team who is at the same pay level as myself. Is that lega?
You can take 12 weeks off for the birth of a child.The employeeif protected by FMLA, is entitled to have their benefits maintained during the leave. In addition, the employer can ask for the employee to provide a fitness-for-duty certification prior to returning to work. An employee will not be able to demonstrate discriminatory animus if the employer has a legitimate non-FMLA reason for terminating the employee.
By the way, if you think this was due to sexual discrimination based on your pregnancy, I would at least recommend filing a claim with either the IDHR (Illinois Department of Human Rights) and/or the EEOC.
I believe you only have about 180 days from the day of the alleged discrimination to file a claim. That would at keep your options open on your next steps while the IDHE or EEOC investigate your claim.
So I would recommend that you file that ASAP if you think this was due to sexual discrimination based on your pregnancy,
Best of Luck.
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