Can my boss fire or lay me off a month before my baby is due? I work for a small company and they do not offer Maternity leave, sick leave, Vacation time or anything else. After I have my baby I do not plan on returning. But can they fire me or force me to give them an exact date when i’m leaving?
They can fire you if you are not doing your job properly, or if you are not showing up to work. Your job is not safe just because you are pregnant, they just can’t use your pregnancy as a reason for firing you.
As far as I am aware it is your legal right to take maternity leave, even if it is unpaid. However, if I am wrong and you just plan on quitting, you may be reqired to give at least two weeks notice before quitting and yes you will have to give an exact date. They can not fire you "just because" but if you do not give two weeks notice and you just leave, then they can fire you.
It would be in your best interest to just put in your two weeks notice and leave on good terms. At least this way if you decide to return to work they may take you back or at least give you a good reference.
