Legal Question in Workers Comp in Virginia

Unfair Termination

Hello,

I work for a small appliance company that as of January, 2004 is under new ownership. I have been there as the bookkeeper for 5 yrs. Until now with no problems. I told them three weeks ago I was pregnant. I was due for a weeks paid vacation on the 26th of June, and a mid year bonus.I was called into the managers office this morning and told I was being let go because he felt I did not know my job to his satisfaction and I made too many mistakes, but could not give me any specifics. Am I legally entitled to the pay for that week since I have been there so long and if so how do I go about getting it.I was not sure I had any right to it since it is a small privatly owned company. Also is there any recourse I can take because I feel they fired me because I am pregnant. Thank you for you time and help with this matter.


Asked on 6/10/04, 12:43 pm

1 Answer from Attorneys

Michael Hendrickson Law Office Michael E. Hendrickson

Re: Unfair Termination

The preganancy antidiscrimination act is an amendment to Title V11 of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 which proscribes discriminatory conduct on the part of employers based on a woman's condition of pregnancy, or her having to take time

from work due to childbirth or because of any condition related to such childbirth or pregnancy as unlawful discrimination based upon sex which is prohibited under federal law.

Your problem would be proving that your employer terminated you because of your pregnancy. Your employer, based upon the facts you've outlined here, would undoubtedly maintain that you were fired because you did not know your job to his satisfaction and that you made too many mistakes.

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Answered on 6/11/04, 12:24 am


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