Pregnant and Fired: How Can I Fight This Unfair Termination?

Hi, I was working in a law firm for the last 3+ years. They terminated me last month on account of my pregnancy with my second child.

I was informed in the middle of the month by the resorting manager that my performance was not up to the mark, so they needed me to resign and work till the end of the month. When I asked when and where my performance was wrong or for any single proof where any offshore clients had any issues or complaints with my delivered work, he had nothing to say but only mentioned that they couldn't do anything as the decisions had already been made, and if I didn't resign, then they would terminate me.

The very next day, I received a letter of termination and one month's salary.

Understanding My Rights

I want to understand what rights I have against this unfair treatment. Pregnancy benefits are nowhere considered because they fired me for that very reason. Please guide me on how to proceed from here. I sent an email to the office stating that I wouldn't accept it, and I would take further action against it. They now want to discuss. I am 5 months pregnant.

Please help.

Dear Pitere,

What has happened to you is unfortunate. Nevertheless, it has happened to many other women and will continue to happen. Weak implementation of labor laws is the primary reason employers muster the courage to terminate employees unfairly.

Anyway, you may upload the verbatim of the termination order in your next post. It will give us a little more clarity on what has happened.

Assessing Applicability of the Industrial Disputes Act, 1947

When you were employed, how many subordinates reported to you? This information is important to assess whether the provisions of the Industrial Disputes Act, 1947 apply to you.

Once you provide us with the information on the above two counts, the senior members will guide you on what to do next.

Because of the unfair treatment meted out to you, you could be in an agitated state of mind. However, calm down. There is a rough patch in everyone's life. You are walking on the rough patch during your advanced stage. However, do not take stress as the healthy development of the fetus is also important.

Thanks,

Dinesh Divekar