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annak · Newbie Joined: 23 Aug 2008 Posts: 1 Career Advice: +0/-0

Hi,
I need your advise on the following:
I have been called to a disciplinary hearing regarding my failure to get to work on time.

I am a new mom, and I barely took my 6 weeks of maternity leave and asked for flexi work time which has been refused, because it was considered not "into the company's benefits"...

while I used to work from home 90% of time, now they are refusing any work from home under "company's benefits" reason.
even when occasionnaly I need to be working from home because I do not have someone to care for my baby.

I am getting late to work, until 1hour max and I always make up my time by working late in the evening.
and even sometimes until 10pm or more depending on work load...

is it with their right to call for this hearing while I am giving to them more then any employee and not consider the fact that I am a new mom and trying to coop with my new life?

please advise....

thanks

Pauloz · Posted: Sun Aug 24, 2008 9:47 am Post subject: Re: new mom disciplinary hearing

annak

This is effectively a change in your working conditions. If you used to work at home for the majority of the time, it's a significant change, and you may have grounds for dispute.

I say "may", because it depends whether working at home is part of your contract, or can be considered a legitimate condition of employment.

However, this is tricky. Disputes take time, can be stressful, and can create unpleasant situations in the workplace. You'd need legal advice, too.

You do have a few talking points:

The change of your working conditions. In some cases that's discretionary for the employer, who can require attendance at work. But if it's a contract or normal working condition you have something to complain about.

You're legally obliged to look after your baby, and you can't overlook that obligation. You can't be told to commit an act of child neglect.

My impression is that this situation has been created for reasons other than discipline. I don't see any good reason why it would be necessary to change your working conditions, if things were OK before.

I would distrust this employer intensely, if I were in your position, and I'd advise you to begin looking for a new job ASAP.

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