Yahoo Lifestyle Why You're Being Penalised For Being Pregnant
I missed out on a promotion because I was pregnant
"I took my first maternity leave after I'd worked for my employer for five years. While it was easy to arrange, I felt pressure to return to work earlier than I intended.
My second pregnancy was a shock and I was very ill and unable to hide it. I was up for a promotion within my department to manager. [But] several weeks after [my employer] found out I was pregnant, the job was given to another employee who had been there for several less years than me, and who did not have the appropriate qualification for the job. When I asked about why I'd missed out, my manager stated that I might not handle the extra work with two children, and that I probably wouldn’t want the extra stress when I was going on maternity leave soon anyway.
I took this to a lawyer who said I had a case. We looked at pursuing it further, but the only outcome would have been forcing them to give me the job. I knew that if I did I would never progress in that organisation.
Because of this, I sunk into a terrible depression in my second pregnancy. I feel I have lost my career and my reputation as I did not let the discrimination go unnoticed. I hope this review draws attention to the fact that pregnancy discrimination is still commonplace. My employer still genuinely thinks she was looking out for me by reducing my stress. There needs to be more resources [and education] available."
- [submission 27]
I was offered a smaller salary when they discovered I was pregnant
"When I was five months pregnant I applied for a [new job]. The interview went very well, but my profession is a very small community, and it got back to the prospective employer that I was pregnant. This company then came back with an employment offer that was half that of what they advertised. I went through a recruiter (who knew I was pregnant) and even they were shocked and disgusted. It felt like there was nothing I could do, that this was just a part of everyday life."
- [submission 237]
Mothers have to 'prove themselves' when they return from maternity leave
"My firm is male-dominated and many women (prior to being married or pregnant) are asked by the directors if they are planning to have children any time soon. I've seen women in my firm [denied] performance appraisals because they are pregnant and 'will be going on leave anyway'. Women on parental leave usually aren't given salary increases along with their peers as 'they are on leave'.
Upon returning from parental leave women are [often] not promoted because they 'have been away and need to prove themselves again'. Male managers and directors will specifically request [that] male graduates be allocated to their team so that they'll have fewer 'personal disruptions' (women getting married, having babies).
The reason no-one submits formal complaints is because Perth is very small and most people remain in the industry moving from one firm to the other. The culture in these firms has always been the same and it's just accepted.”
- [submission 205]
I was pushed out after being pregnant
"I was a manager and one of the longest serving employees. When I advised my return to work date I received no communication whatsoever so I turned up as I said I would. I had no desk, my old job was being done by another lady [who] was paid less than me. I was introduced to my new manager and told to fill in for someone who was on leave for a few weeks 'until we get a position description made up for you'. A role was later created for me where I had no direct reports and was largely admin based.
Two months later, my role changed as I had to absorb another person's role. Two months later it changed again when more work was put on me. I went on stress leave...[having been effectively] asked to do three people's jobs.
This was my second maternity leave period. Under different management in the past, I had absolutely no issues returning to work after maternity leave. The new CEO had a pattern of discriminating against working mothers. I got a good solicitor and an even better barrister and fought my case. This [national review] is a great initiative."
- [submission 14]
I felt sidelined. My career stalled
"While pregnant with my first child, I received a promotion, which I thought was a fantastic indication of my employer's regard for my skills and ability. Apart from the odd comment from a colleague about my size (which I think every pregnant woman experiences!) I didn't experience any difficulties at work while pregnant.When I returned to work part-time, I was slotted into a different area and given tasks that weren't time-critical. I felt sidelined. Colleagues, sometimes well meaning, would complete my work for me on my days out of the office, so I had to constantly check my emails on days off to stay on top of my work. I had to work very hard to re-establish myself and [convince] my co-workers that I was still able to pull my weight.
I have since had two more children, and this same process happened each time. I missed out on my next promotion. I missed out on career development opportunities. My career stalled."
- [submission 210]
Visit www.humanrights.gov.au for more submissions or to find out about the review.
