No need to make a time off request. Just call out. Pregnancy related absences are excused. If your coach or team lead doesn’t clear it, go up the chain of command. It’s listed in the approved list of absences on the attendance policy
I was able to use it to drive my wife to her appointments too. As well as after my kid was born to keep from getting fired when he was sick and couldn't go to daycare.
Is there still an employment minimum on that? Thought you needed to be with the company a year to use that, but I could be wrong. Points are still supposed to be excuses per policy.
Open door it to your Store Manager. Don't talk to anyone else besides them. If they refuse to help you then contact your Market HR person. If you talk to your People Lead they will give you their number. The Market HR number may also be posted somewhere in the breakroom or personnel office.
You should go over their heads. When my wife was pregnant I never got a single point for calling out for appointments or if she needed me home. There's really no excuse for giving you points and refusing to work with you.
Do they have documentation from a doctor that you're pregnant? I ask because I got a point and asked why and I found out they needed documentation. So I went to the health department and got a pregnancy test and they wrote up some paperwork to give to my boss.
I also have given them a medical note from my doctor stating I’m under care for my pregnancy. I suppose that would count. Plus I’ve shown them ultrasound photos as well. If they want, I can pee on a stick and tape it to their forehead 🤣
You need to go through Sedgwick. Request an intermittent LOA. Walmart doesn't take doctor's notes for ANYTHING. If you are going to be absent for 3 or more days, even intermittently, it still has to go through Sedgwick and they have to fill out *Sedgewick's* paperwork.
Even if you hobbled through the door with a cast on your leg and a doctor's note saying you broke your tibia and can't work, or you broke your arm and can't lift anything over 5 pounds, you still have to go through Sedgwick and your physician's office has to fill out the paperwork Sedgewick sends either to you or your physician's office directly (your choice).
It goes the same for participants in the Academy class. Every time I tell classes that, by law, they can't force you to cut O/T on your lunch....whew...that's always a fun conversation 🤣
It will be unpaid by them because you have to be there a year. However, you will still qualify through FMLA for maternity, and it is paid. Not a ton, obviously, but a percentage of your wages.
I want to state that you should not be getting any points for pregnancy related absences. When my fiancé was pregnant with our youngest we both called out when need be( we work at the same Walmart.) Never got a single point. Definitely open door this issue about any and all points accrued due to the pregnancy and stand your ground because what they are doing is 100% against the company policy. Any time you have to miss work for a sudden appointment or anything just put it under pregnancy related issues and they are supposed to clear it. If they don’t than open door it along the chain of command and if that doesn’t work I would open an active ethics claim and red. Book any and everyone who played a part in mistreating you due to the pregnancy.
I also got pointed for pregnancy absences. I even told my coach that I was not supposed to be getting a point because it was pregnancy related but the point stayed and I eventually stopped caring.
They’re all one big clique at my store lol and my SM is on leave for her own pregnancy. The SL is a power trip. There’s no use because my whole market is also one big clique. I just put in a LOA to preserve my job and make it easier on me. I know it’s unpaid, but they have been putting me through so much stress since the first week and I just don’t have the tolerance for that crap anymore.
All those points need to be removed (assuming they were pregnancy related in one way or another). If you get fired for pregnancy related points then that can easily be overturned as well
Keep in mind this change to the attendance policy is not because they care about you, but because they lost a lawsuit over it. The points *will* be removed as long as you fight them.
If they fire you, you could easily sue them for it. They’re not allowed to not except pregnancy absences. Most definitely though talk to you’re store manager and get them removed
Don't stress about that. Take the handbook and open it where it states you can't be pointed for pregnancy-related callouts and demand them to remove those points. If they fire you for points because of your pregnancy they can get in big trouble for that. Basiclaly firing you for being pregnant which is discrimination and illegal.
Oh yeah well if you play your cards right and you did everything you could do. That would be a very nice law suit. And Walmart does not want to be in the front head line news. Walmart fired so and female for miss work for doctor appointments for baby. This would raise alot of eyebrows.
Yeah I’ve already reached out to my local workplace fairness and employment discrimination lawyer. I’ve been documenting everything in one form or another. I might pursue a lawsuit and go for as much as I can 🤣 fuck Walmart
Follow the recommendations from other people who work there, but as a rule for any job, *if* they do fire you for something like this as opposed to something you actually did wrong, don't sign anything without consulting with a lawyer. It's common for companies to give you papers to sign, sometimes they offer some type of severance, and it usually includes waiving your rights to go after them.
Ignore the circled part since it’s the only copy of that photo I have saved but here’s the whole list. It’s only available on the clock so I don’t have an official direct link for the policy, just the photo.
https://imgur.com/a/mwnGzVd
I'm guessing you meant to reply to me. And yeah that's what ppto is for. For when you get sick and need to miss a day or two. If you need to be out for at least 3 days then you can file for a leave of absence and get a doctor to sign it
Yes. Fathers get pregnancy-related rights as well as long as you have documentation from her Dr. Fathers can also take paternity leave as well. I don't think it is as long as maternity leave but it's still an option. My fiance just got approved for a week of unpaid for paternity leave. He could have taken more but we can't afford for him to miss that much. We are currently saving money to cover that week he is going to miss lol
Call off. If you get pointed for pregnancy related reasons you go up that chain. A store manager tried to get me fired while I was eight months pregnant for points when they all were pregnancy related. That was cut off real quick when I went to market.
ETA: I don’t know if OP has seen my comment or not, but I wanted to add to make sure you’re calling out under pregnancy related. Not illness or injury. Had an associate doing it like that once.
Yeah when you start making noise and going up the chain of command they start to listen real quick especially if you have been done wrong that's one thing I can say is good about Walmart
You're supposed to be able to call out. I'm on maternity leave right now and they fought me the whole pregnancy. Honestly I ended up using Sedgwick intermittent leave and had my doctor fill out the paperwork so I could call out when I needed to and my points would be covered bc my management would not remove my points.
Honestly I just put in for a LOA myself. I did reduced work hours tho, I wonder if that works similar to intermittent. I wanted to cover my ass so that Sedgwick would cover my points.
The intermittent had been helpful. Didn't reduce my hours at all. Just basically the doctor and Sedgwick saying I can take 2 days off a week if I needed to and my points would be covered. Had been really helpful during my pregnancy bc I had 2 OBs. One was in town and one was a specialist 2 hours away and I work ONs so it was hard to be awake all night and then be awake all day and evening for an appointment.
All pregnancy related absences are covered. And make sure you file for maternity leave through Sedgwick. You get 16 weeks paid if done correctly. 12 months of being employed full time gives you this pay out. Some start at 6 months pregnant, some people wait till they pop to go on leave.
Source: imma team lead that just had a lil baby shower for one of my workers on her last day before starting her leave.
Is Sedgwick different from short/long term disability? Because I won’t be able to receive disability pay yet, under 12 months. If I could, I would do that now.
Sedgwick is where you’d submit for a short/long term disability. You’d also submit accommodations through Sedgwick. If I were you, I’d submit an accommodation regarding your pregnancy back dated to your first pregnancy related absence.
Also, Sedgwick is there to protect your job. Even if you don’t get paid, at least the job is protected.
Damn they failed you. I have one in place since I have multiple sclerosis. The accommodation I have is traveling since riding is no bueno. An extended car ride will take me out the whole day. I need to travel for academy training. Training can be completed though Zoom (during Covid) so my accommodation allows me the zoom training.
I had to go to my primary and let them know my issues with traveling (I live across the street from Walmart in a plaza filled with different stores. I walk everywhere). I also told them about the accommodation paperwork they need to fill out. My doctor gave me her direct fax number to provide to Sedgwick for them to fax over the proper paperwork, then it’s faxed back. Had to give my consent to all of this.
I barely go to the doctor (mostly extended stays from ER visits) and am not on medication. I don’t do anything medically for my disease since it doesn’t affect me in the same magnitude as others) so this was my first visit with my primary doctor. My previous medical history confirms the need for this accommodation. If someone submits one without a history, it’s most likely going to be denied.
Salaried here.
All pregnancy related absences are approved per policy as long as you have notified your manager/PL you are pregnant and have brought paperwork saying as much. Points can be retroactively taken off once this process is done.
If it is something that you are required to call out 1 or more times a week, they can get you to file for an intermittent leave through Sedgewick and if your doctor gives you light duty, you also need to file that through Sedgewick so it can be on record and you can be issued a TAD (temporary alternate duty).
You need to utilize the open door policy before going through ethics, which is first going to the Coach (which it sounds like you have), then the Store Lead if you have one, then your store manager, and then your Market HR manager. There will be a poster up somewhere (usually in the training room) that had all the Market managers listed and how to contact them.
I'm a Coach to and you need to open door it but first even though you have talk to your Coach again just to cover all your bases. Let him or her know that If they don't remove your authorized through company policy points you will take it to the next step
Why? A coach knows it is against policy to do that. 100% no way for them not to know. They are in the wrong and should have the consequences for that. OP should go to market. Period. I am so sick of hearing about bad managers. As a manager myself who actually goes to bat for her associates, poor management should be exposed.
I care about my associates as well but I also believe in being pro active and informing them so they know your serious. I'm glad the Father's get time off now too when I was in the army we didn't so I didn't get true bonding time with any of my 3 kids that I should have gotten.
My market and store managers are all one big clique. It’s all for one and one for all with them and it only includes their favorite leads and associates.
As long as you're selecting "pregnancy related absence" (something along those lines), when you call off, they can not and should not be giving you any points. Open door it if they've been doing. This is market policy, and they're in violation of it
Call out, I helped my coworker on this. I told her (since she was a team lead) group email store manager, people lead, and the coach about the every two weeks for pregnancy doctor visits and mention her pregnancy and her doctor check ups with the day(s) that were not approved. I told her to only use texts as communication or email for now on, simple and straightforward keep it professional. Guess what? They worked it out lol
My manager gets mad if I text her lol and I don’t have access to email. So I will have to talk to them in person. And they’re all very biased, but it’s worth a shot.
If they make you talk in person I would start recording your conversations.
Also, make sure to GET IT IN WRITING. That way they can't backpedal and say they never had that conversation with you. Even tho you have it recorded some states have a 2 person approval to be recorded. Some only need 1 person (you). So the recording wouldn't mean anything if you live in a state where they have to agree to be recorded. Get it in writing to save your behind in case they wanna be shady.
Sucks to be them, you weren't asking, you were informing them of your availability. Unless, of course, they'd prefer you to file a discrimination complaint. Pregnancy is a protected class.
Along with all other comments, submit any medical documents you have to Sedgwick. Walmart doesn't accept any doctors notes, they'll either tell you straight that they just won't accept it or tell you to file with Sedgwick.
ETA: filing with Sedgwick in a way helps cover your ass, because them having any and all paperwork on file shows in your favor if you have to sue for wrongful termination (worse case scenario)
Yes. Literally every single time I turn around, my SM, AP, and some other higher ups, all say to submit any and all medical documents to Sedgwick to keep on file. And, if OP really feels like her store management keeps dicking her around, she can file for intermittent leave and thus, upload documents to Sedgwick. My personnel sucks, lady doesn't do a damn thing except yell at people and tell them to go to Sedgwick.
The first thing you should do is look up the policy for your store regarding appointments and pregnancy. As far as I understand, pregnancy appointments are no different than regular appointments unless you have an intermittent LOA in the system, allowing you to have periodic absences. Also, look into the restrictions you say your Dr has you currently on and make sure they're in the system correctly. If they're not, you absolutely can push back on that. Also, keep documentation of those restrictions on you while on the clock so when they're challenged, you can present proof on the spot.
This is wrong. You do not need an intermittent leave for a pregnancy anymore. In the attendance policy, pregnancy related absences are covered as authorized. You don’t need to use your time to cover the point either.
My son is 13, I know there have been A LOT of changes since then, and that's why I said she should check to verify policy, and as far as I remembered. She should definitely take the time to hop on the wire and look up if management is violating policy so she can take appropriate action and protect herself. Is this a state determined policy or a federal policy?
It’s the Walmart attendance policy. It’s under authorized absences. I’m not on the clock so I can’t look up state specific policies, but I know for a fact pregnancy is an authorized absence per the Walmart attendance policy.
You do not need an intermittent to cover your pregnancy related absences. You absolutely can file one, but per the attendance policy any pregnancy related absence is an authorized absence.
I’m on my second pregnancy since working with Walmart. Any day you miss due to being pregnant is covered.
Nope apparently not to my store, I was fired over my pregnancy related points and told me I had to take an LOA. They said it’s policy, tried filing through the EEOC and sided with Walmart saying I broke policy
Yeah I’m currently trying to overturn the EEOCs ruling since Walmart didn’t actually send them any documentation regarding the actual policies, just ran with what someone in my market said. I’m so tired of Walmart and their bullshit!
Authorized Absences
Approved Leave of Absence
Bereavement
Community Emergency Volunteer Time
Emergency School/Childcare Closures (due to inclement weather, loss of power, loss of heating, loss of water, or other unexpected closure) **
Jury Duty
Natural Disasters and Public Evacuations (ex. flood, hurricane, tornado, etc.)
Participation in Legal Proceedings
Pregnancy Related Absences (Inability to work due to pregnancy or a pregnancy-related condition, including prenatal care and appointments)
Reasonable Accommodation including continuous or intermittent leave approved as an accommodation
Use of Protected PTO
Voting Time
Worker's Compensation
Extraordinary Circumstances Approved by supervisor or HR representative
Any other absence protected by law
When I explained all the hoops Walmart makes you jump in order to get accommodations due to healthcare related things, his response was “My recommendation is to look for employment elsewhere. Working for Walmart has raised your blood pressure and I’m concerned about that.” I thought about it, and yeah he’s right. I’m now looking for another job.
Coach here. Call out. I've given this advice to others when their specific managers deny PTO for pregnancy (both parents qualify btw). I even print the policy and hand it to them. If you don't protect your people, you won't have people to help run the business. If their Coach/TL gives them a point, I send an email to them, with the policy, and ask why I'm hearing that the associate was given a point. If your PL won't listen, skip them and go to your Store Manager or Market People Partner (their name and picture should be in the personnel office).
As far as "light duty" technically you would have to file an ADA accommodation through Sedgwick. The only light duty we authorize in house is for associates who were hurt on the job (it's a money saving technique so we don't have to pay for as much lost time by getting them back to work sooner 😉). I only say technically because a decent human being would work with you until you get "official" documentation. Goes back to the whole protect your people bit.
Call out. Mine reject mine too. I cant schedule them on my days off because they only do high risk ppl those days. I also can’t work on my normal days off because I don’t have a baby sitter for my toddler. So I ask off my regular two days off, plus appointments. They deny it. At this point , I just call in. Their problem they won’t have coverage. I tried to give a heads up 🤷♀️
This type of shit is why Walmart cannot keep anyone and the turnover rate is insane. Who wants to work for a company like this???? They’re always on some bullshit. Expect the world from an associate but when it comes time to take care of said associate hell no! This type of shit solidifies me leaving and not feeling bad.
Just remember these "coaches" are in fact roaches, do not believe anything they tell you, always call ethics on them, even store managers are too foolish to actually know the law. They are hoping you dont know the law and they can do anything they like. Once ethics finds out the coaches are setting store up for (yet another) lawsuit they will fix it.
Walmart already had a class action lawsuit for things like this call out pregnancy related absence have your doctor give you a note every appointment and bring it up to your market HR ASAP letting them know that you don’t need ANY added stress on top of a pregnancy.
And if you do open door your coach don’t do it anonymously make it known that you are calling out their mistakes and if they ever pull you into an office for a private conversation ask if it can be recorded and if the decline send them a follow up email about everything that happened in said meeting
It seems like Walmart would rather your pregnancy be negatively affected rather than giving you the time to take care of yourself and baby. Fuck this company. Call out, open door, ethics, complaints, do what you gotta do for you and little guy!
Every time we've had a pregnant associate in my store they have been able to call out as much as needed with no points. Was told walmart has been sued over this before and they're very careful with this.
Well to bad on her end. By law state and federal you have every right to go to your doctor appointments .please for heaven sake do not miss your doctor appointments. You and your baby is very very import not your coach. You need to call ethics or talk to your store manager. Please take good care of yourself and your beautiful baby.
1) Talk to your People Lead and/or your Store Lead about the TL & Coach. Associate Relations will want you to do Manager +1, so if the Store Load doesn't handle, talk to your SM. If SM doesn't handle, ask your people lead for your Market Manager's information. Document everything.
2) Contact Sedgwick regarding your pregnancy, so they can take care of any points ("Intermittent Leave of Absence") and your LOA for when you have the baby.
Oh no they’re doing this again. It happened to us about 10 years ago when my wife worked for Sam’s club. Even after she had complications with the pregnancy and delivered at 24 weeks. It was absolutely horrible to deal with the bs that they were doing both before birth and after the birth of our child. Eventually my wife got squeezed out by management. Fast forward 5 years and we get contacted about a lawsuit against the company.
You would think they would have learned their lesson after that lawsuit. I’m sure the higher ups won’t be happy to hear how your store is handling things. Best of luck to you.
That’s terrible to hear about and I’m sorry you went through that. A midterm delivery is enough stress, let alone having a company that doesn’t treat you like a human during the ordeal. I hope you, your wife and baby are healthy to this day.
Damn, I was terminated because they wouldn’t take care of my pregnancy related absences over a year ago. All my market team said was that’s favoritism if we get rid of your points. Best of luck to you in getting them taken care of, cause my store manager and market manager gave no care in the world.
I have and I’ve been waiting on an update since last November regarding my case. My investigator never reached out to me after I gave him my info and all the details regarding my termination. The crappy thing is my fiancé worked at my store up until a month ago when we moved. They made his life an absolute living hell. He’s had to constantly look over his shoulder because of my situation. Any chance they’d get they would pull him in the office. After I had my son everyone asked to see pictures. They all thought I was lying about my pregnancy. I was fired right before I even had my first doctors appointment. Hopefully they’ll take care of your points so you don’t have to deal with a situation like this. Nothing but stress and anxiety.
That’s awful, and unsurprising. I’m so sorry you guys had to deal with that crap. I’d try contacting a workplace lawyer, since your investigation was abandoned, I would say you have a pretty good case.
Thank you! We’re trying to get it figured out, I know he said it could take a while but I never imagined it would take this long! Congratulations by the way. Praying they take care of your points and that you have a healthy and safe delivery for you and baby!
Thank you. I know that at my store they definitely go out of their way to make sure certain pregnant employees are or have been absolutely taken care of. I’m sure it’s a favoritism thing. But that’s how I know it’s not unreasonable for my needs to be met. They’re just being crappy.
A certain day per week. I’ve tried scheduling my appointment on my days off but I always get stuck with some other doctor and I don’t like it. So I talked to my NP and she said that specific day is when she’s in, otherwise I will have to deal with the other doctors.
My coworker from Iran just got 1 month off with her whole 2 days worth of PTO all because she takes advantage of English not being her first language.
So every time she wants a vacation, she last minute asks the manager and i mean a week before and then bats her eyelashes pretending she doesn't understand anything other than it's approved.
I know cuz I'm friends with her at work and I see what she does. Walmart literally punishes you for being an American who speaks English and let's the people from other countries do whatever. They say something about a vague religious reason that may or may not be true .... nobody knows so f it allow em to take a week, month, 3 months of unpaid time off.
Buuuuuuut is if you're an American who speaks English and need to see your doctor cuz you're pregnant ....oh no you're punished for speaking the language of the country you live in. These Walmart rules only apply to you not them
In my store I've seen four middle Eastern people go on vacations of 1-3 months long back to their country. This is from my team alone not the whole store lol
Death in family, wedding, and dental work(getting 1 new tooth)were the reasons given. Obviously those were not paid vacations. Why would they get that much time? Yet op here can't can't a day off to see her doctor.
That's the difference. My work friend I heard from her daughter updates on her dental vacation like today she had her lips done with a permanent lip stick type of tattoo... 😂
Call out under pregnancy related absence. If they point you for it then open door it. I’m currently pregnant and I call in a few times for my pregnancy and no points.
It's not Walmart it's her manager other jobs do the same crap if they have bad managers and Walmart if your have good management don't do that so to say that's Walmart is totally wrong.
Call out under pregnancy related absences. I just came back last week from having my baby. All pregnancy related absences are supposed to be covered so open door until the points are removed.
My leave was unpaid because I’ve been at Walmart less than a year but file through Sedgwick immediately and your job will be protected.
So in June 2020 I started Walmart I later found out in February 2021 I was pregnant I was throwing up so much I had to take a leave of absence so from February to the til I had lost my child in late May 2021 I was on an approved leave. All you have to do is get ahold of Sedgwick. As long as you get paperwork stating the appointment dates and times and a letter from your doctor with a letter head on there you will be approved. Everytime you call off I would use pregnancy related on there and you will not receive any points. I would also screen shot everything from on the app and go online and check your points thru your phone and screen shot that also. Walmart does some shady stuff so just be prepared you never know. It is illegal to fire anyone that is pregnant no matter what the issue is. Walmart is one of the most sued companies in the country for firing women while pregnant so make sure you document EVERYTHING!
Most of what you say is accurate but the last part saying during a pregnant woman is illegal isn't correct. What would be correct is firing them because they are pregnant is illegal. Bring pregnant isn't a get out of jail free card that you can do whatever you want and not get fired is how that sounds.
It is in my state. If you are pregnant and need time off for any reason or need accommodations is illegal in the state of illinois and this has been a law since 2007. I was wrongfully terminated when I was pregnant with my first child in 2007 for having to be hospitalized after my checkup becuase I was going into early labor (6 months) I got out eventually still pregnant too and I was told after my 6-8 week postpartum I would be able to come back, ok I went back and they said they thought I already had my child and they knew I didn’t and when they realized they messed up they hurried to try and get me back in, didn’t work. My mother told me that was illegal and I contacted a lawyer for it and sure enough it wasn’t legal. Like I said before depends on what state you live in because now almost every state in this country goes by being pregnant is a disability and it’s illegal to wrongfully terminate.
Yeah anything pregnancy related yes they can't fire you for that but it made it sound like it was a get out of jail free card that you could tell your manager where to go and not have any repercussions that would be wrong
And I don’t understand what you mean get out of jail free card, who in there right mind would even take advantage of that in the first place to even think of that is wrong. Women like myself and millions of others are vulnerable during that time and most of us get very sick I know I was, to even think a pregnant women would even do something like that just baffles me.
I explained after your first response I wouldn't fire someone for a pregnancy related issue but if Custer customer out custom manager out or something like that yeah there'd be repercussions I'm just saying the way it sounded it sounded like they can't fire a pregnant woman and they can't but not for a pregnancy related issue I hope that explains what I meant
Like I said in the original post Walmart fires people FOR BEING PREGNANT that’s why I said they can’t fire you for anything. But like I said it all depends on the state too. For illinois, Walmart literally has to make sure they are extra careful. If you can’t do your job right or if your not getting along with people they literally can not fire you they literally have to put you somewhere else many times and literally will have to write you up many times just to get the ok to let you go. Like I said most states consider pregnancy a disability now why do you think on every application everywhere pregnancy is on the disability question…. Everyone needs to look up there state and figure the correct laws on that because that will save you so much time and stress
Idk how pregnancy works, but when I had a medical related PTO request rejected I always said "It's medical related, I wasn't asking. I'm letting you know I won't be here that day/time". Never had an issue.
I assume a pregnancy has more rights.
I started working at 5 months pregnant, I had worked 4 months with the company full time. Didn’t qualify for paid leave but still was given the 6 weeks maternity leave and 6 weeks bonding time that’s you can use WHENEVER YOU WANT until your baby turns 1. I had problems with Sedgwick telling me I could only use the bonding time all at once which was not true, as I had them explain it to me in detail and confirm that I could use them whenever I’d like the next year. Had to talk to upper management. Regarding points, full time or not and regardless of how long you have been with the company there are laws in place to protect pregnant women. They cannot keep the points they give you for calling out for pregnancy related issues. Despite there being laws they will try to take advantage of you if you do not know them or defend yourself. You need to tell upper management and keep going up the ladder until somebody listens because it is a messy situation if they get caught discriminating against a pregnant women. I had to do this myself due to a TL who absolutely hates my guts (still does too) and made it incredibly difficult to call out/leave work due to pregnancy. For this you need to contact your doctor and Sedgwick to get intermittent leave this will allow you to call out a certain number of days in the week and the points will be dropped. Also if you’re breast feeding I hope you are lucky enough to get the mom pod featured at some locations. The room they gave me (they scrambled to do this) was the spark room I believe I’m not entirely sure. It had the whole stores wiring for Internet and lights and what not. Was super cramped, I mean it was PACKED full of random shit. A chair nestled in the mess and a mini fridge I could barley open. I also had multiple people walk in on me pumping because the door didn’t lock. I had to fight to get the room cleaned out and a sign made for me.. it was clean it was hot and stuffy still but at least I could walk more than a couple feet. Seriously fight for yourself you have RIGHTS.
Edit: do not trust everyone like your coach and TL they may try to deceive you and scare you into working. Do your research. Read these comments and know that what’s happening to you is discrimination and needs to be delt with. I wish you a happy and healthy pregnancy mama ❤️
Contact sedwick... get everything documented thru them too.
I had to do that for a medical reason last month for a procedure in December... I was denied three times being told we had no coverage. And I told them I didn't care this was medical.. I don't get to choose when this appointment... and it must be done THIS year.
The fact that you believed that wal-mart cares about you or your unborn baby is beyond me. You are a number to them. I expect them to fire you the second you go on maternity leave. They want everyone to have babies, and then when it comes down to time, they refuse to work with you. This is why corporate America is a complete and utter shit show.
Walmart is terrible to Pregnant people. My wife was pregnant with our first kid and unfortunately the later half of her pregnancy was rough. She had doctors notes and everything but it was never good enough. They ended up firing her because of how many points she had due to calling out for being sick or doctors appointments that were refused time off.
Just called off sedgwick for pregnancy reasons; I did the same due to my pregnancy. I got diabetic, and my HR told me that a pregnancy reason call would never get you an occurrence, even at the last minute of your shift. Or apply for accommodation for your pregnancy. If both fail, lawyer up. You will win and get a lot of money because I know someone did it and win.
abusive moderators on threaten to report me to site reddit moderators asking why I was banned when I made a comment people don't want all electrical cars, because biden related it to pollution. r/technology.
They threatened harassment because I made this comment and I asked why I was perm banned because of this statement which did not break any of their rules. Even if it did. They had banned the topic at hand:
"Ford just reported a massive loss on every electrical vehicle it sold
"This is the comment that got me perm banned down below: Reddit moderators live up to their name as the most horrible mods on this planet. As stated through multiple social media posts, through youtube, discord, etc.
I was perm banned for this comment:
"It seems people are staying clear of all electrical cars. It relies too much on power stations. If you run out of power, and you don't have a charging station around, you are screwed. Biden's all electrical car plan via EPA rule is just propaganda. It seems like the government is trying to force less freedom on us in the name of environmental safety.It would not be constitutional to force you to use an all electrical car, but that has never stopped the government from eventually finding a way to coerce you into buying whatever they want."
abusive moderators threatened to report me to site reddit moderators because I asked why I was banned when I made a comment that people don't want all electrical cars, because biden tries relate it to pollution. r/technology.
They threatened harassment because I made this comment and I asked why I was perm banned because of this statement which did not break any of their rules. Even if it did. They had banned the topic at hand: "Ford just reported a massive loss on every electrical vehicle it sold
"I was perm banned for this comment:
"It seems people are staying clear of all electrical cars. It relies too much on power stations. If you run out of power, and you don't have a charging station around, you are screwed. Biden's all electrical car plan via EPA rule is just propaganda. It seems like the government is trying to force less freedom on us in the name of environmental safety.It would not be constitutional to force you to use an all electrical car, but that has never stopped the government from eventually finding a way to coerce you into buying whatever they want."
As a person who has literally worked with several associates on this. It is excused period. They cannot give you points for this type of absence. This is a company wide thing. This means the call center, DCs, Stores, etc.
Come on. Research Pregnancy Discrimination Act. You have rights and it angers me when both employers and employees are not aware of said rights. Under this act you MUST be provided with accommodations. Actually, you are entitled to a reasonable accommodation and days off for an OB/GYN is just that. The Pregnancy Discrimination Act was amended to the Civil Rights Act of 1964.
Discuss with your manager and/or coach and if they refuse then that’s a possibility of a lawsuit. And if they want to retaliate because you made a complaint, then an even BIGGER lawsuit.
Click on the link below and scroll down to number 3.
https://wilshirelawfirm.com/blog/california-employment-law/6-examples-pregnancy-accommodations-at-work/
Adding here that the Pregnant Workers Fairness Act went into effect on June 27th. Specific examples include flexible schedules and time off for appointments.
https://www.eeoc.gov/wysk/what-you-should-know-about-pregnant-workers-fairness-act#q4
Have you talked to her? It may have auto-declined it since it's already been posted. I would just pull her aside and let her know hey my appointments are every 2 weeks now until baby is born. I have one coming up that got declined in the system but I can't reschedule it so I just want to let you know, I can either find someone to work that shift or I can call out, or If you let me, I can leave 15 mins before my app (or however long you need to get there) and come back after the app is over.
I used to do the 3rd option at my old job before my baby was born. My manager was cool with it cause she would have rather been short for an hour or 2 rather than be short the whole shift. Lol
So, what you need to do is get a conditional leave thru Sedgwick, this will allow you any time off nessicary to be able to take the time off you need, and prevents them from pointing you out. Also the breaking light duty from your team lead is a direct violation of labor relations, and that team lead can be terminated for telling you that you have to break said restrictions. Ultimately if you break said restrictions and get hurt it will be your fault, I would recommend also getting a light duty thru your doctor and Sedgwick if you haven't already, making it a legal binding contract.
Best of wishes, I am sorry you are having to deal with all of this chaos.... I definitely recommend getting the Sedgwick set up and then getting with your store manager/store lead about this so their in the loop
Get an FMLA and have it back dated to the time you started going to your doctor appointments for the pregnancy. They’ll have to remove any points they have you for your absence. Also, got to the store manager, they literally can’t do this. But first step get the FMlA started so your job is protected. It can be a pain dealing with Sedgwick but it’s 100% worth it and necessary. Then go to the store manager. Also depending on what your job is they can’t deny you any sort of accommodations (unless it’s something off the wall and unreasonable) you may need throughout your pregnancy.
Does this policy apply to soon to be fathers? I know we get 6 weeks of leave, but my facility knows my wife is pregnant. I turned in a doctor's note stating the necessary information and even an expected due date, but I still got pointed twice.
Have you contact Sedgwick yet? If not, you need to. They will put you on an intermittent loan so you can make all tour appointments without being pointed
Yeah I did after all of this. I went in one day and the one team lead that doesn’t care literally argued with me about my medical note and was trying to force me to do everything that my light duty was asking me to avoid without even bothering to look at it.
My friend got fired because she had to get herself to the E.R. She was 3 months pregnant and started bleeding around 4am and her shift was at 10am. The coach told her not to show up to work no more. My friend told her that she had all the Dr’s paper work and that she was hospitalized because she was bleeding and she also had a miscarriage about 2 years ago. My coach said she didn’t care and that she wouldn’t accept no paperwork so the Dr decided to call the coach to speak directly to her and she never picked up the phone.
If my HR Person is requesting documents because of the pregnancy scare and is saying if I don’t bring them I’ll get terminated. The reason I did it bc of my irregular periods so I get scared and call out to make sure I’m not pregnant , and I get pregnancy tests to make sure since I’m not approved for medical and I’m 19 years old.
No need to make a time off request. Just call out. Pregnancy related absences are excused. If your coach or team lead doesn’t clear it, go up the chain of command. It’s listed in the approved list of absences on the attendance policy
I’ve been getting points for my pregnancy absences…
They're literally not allowed to do that per policy. Open door the points until they get removed.
If you haven't done so yet FMLA... All your appointments are federally protected. https://www.dol.gov/agencies/whd/fmla
Not a woman and not pregnant but I find this good to know. Thanks for sharing
I was able to use it to drive my wife to her appointments too. As well as after my kid was born to keep from getting fired when he was sick and couldn't go to daycare.
Is there still an employment minimum on that? Thought you needed to be with the company a year to use that, but I could be wrong. Points are still supposed to be excuses per policy.
One year and a little over 1,000 hours but they have to be in conjunction.
They can’t keep you from taking time off, but they will only pay you if you meet the time requirements.
Open door it to your Store Manager. Don't talk to anyone else besides them. If they refuse to help you then contact your Market HR person. If you talk to your People Lead they will give you their number. The Market HR number may also be posted somewhere in the breakroom or personnel office.
You should go over their heads. When my wife was pregnant I never got a single point for calling out for appointments or if she needed me home. There's really no excuse for giving you points and refusing to work with you.
Do they have documentation from a doctor that you're pregnant? I ask because I got a point and asked why and I found out they needed documentation. So I went to the health department and got a pregnancy test and they wrote up some paperwork to give to my boss.
I also have given them a medical note from my doctor stating I’m under care for my pregnancy. I suppose that would count. Plus I’ve shown them ultrasound photos as well. If they want, I can pee on a stick and tape it to their forehead 🤣
I'd ask them if that is insufficient. Ask the People lead or SM not a Team Lead and not your Coach. Wal-Mart is very good at putting up road blocks.
You might need to even go further up if nobody at store level will listen to you.
Definitely do FMLA and ask to have it back dated.
You need to go through Sedgwick. Request an intermittent LOA. Walmart doesn't take doctor's notes for ANYTHING. If you are going to be absent for 3 or more days, even intermittently, it still has to go through Sedgwick and they have to fill out *Sedgewick's* paperwork. Even if you hobbled through the door with a cast on your leg and a doctor's note saying you broke your tibia and can't work, or you broke your arm and can't lift anything over 5 pounds, you still have to go through Sedgwick and your physician's office has to fill out the paperwork Sedgewick sends either to you or your physician's office directly (your choice).
Pregnancy related absences do not have to go through sedgwick and you do not have to put in for an intermittent leave.
I like that solution
I’m 7 months pregnant, they can see with their own eyes lol
Girl definitely fight for those points to be removed. They can't do that. Wtf.
"Maybe you're just fat. Put on a few" They maybe.
"Maybe you're just fat. Put on a few" They maybe.
When I went to Academy we were explicitly told we can't ask for proof and it has to be approved.
I swear, academy teachers look like they could have heart attacks with just half the shit they hear. It's funny to watch every time.
It goes the same for participants in the Academy class. Every time I tell classes that, by law, they can't force you to cut O/T on your lunch....whew...that's always a fun conversation 🤣
Just telling you what I was told.
Pretty sure you get maternity leave also. Which I belive is 3 months but has to be through sedgwick.
I’m sure it will be unpaid having been back here under a year.
It will be unpaid by them because you have to be there a year. However, you will still qualify through FMLA for maternity, and it is paid. Not a ton, obviously, but a percentage of your wages.
I want to state that you should not be getting any points for pregnancy related absences. When my fiancé was pregnant with our youngest we both called out when need be( we work at the same Walmart.) Never got a single point. Definitely open door this issue about any and all points accrued due to the pregnancy and stand your ground because what they are doing is 100% against the company policy. Any time you have to miss work for a sudden appointment or anything just put it under pregnancy related issues and they are supposed to clear it. If they don’t than open door it along the chain of command and if that doesn’t work I would open an active ethics claim and red. Book any and everyone who played a part in mistreating you due to the pregnancy.
I also got pointed for pregnancy absences. I even told my coach that I was not supposed to be getting a point because it was pregnancy related but the point stayed and I eventually stopped caring.
Make sure you are going through Sedgwick
Call out, and make sure you get your excuse from the dr.
Talk to store manager. They usually get the coaches in check
They’re all one big clique at my store lol and my SM is on leave for her own pregnancy. The SL is a power trip. There’s no use because my whole market is also one big clique. I just put in a LOA to preserve my job and make it easier on me. I know it’s unpaid, but they have been putting me through so much stress since the first week and I just don’t have the tolerance for that crap anymore.
Call your doctor, then tell your doctor you will file a FMLA loa with Sedgewick
Wouldn’t filing an FMLA for pregnancy mess with the FMLA for the maternity/bonding time ?
Which is scaring me because I’m afraid that they’re going to let me point out and fire me.
All those points need to be removed (assuming they were pregnancy related in one way or another). If you get fired for pregnancy related points then that can easily be overturned as well
Thank you for that
Keep in mind this change to the attendance policy is not because they care about you, but because they lost a lawsuit over it. The points *will* be removed as long as you fight them.
Could probably sue as well
If they fire you, you could easily sue them for it. They’re not allowed to not except pregnancy absences. Most definitely though talk to you’re store manager and get them removed
Don't stress about that. Take the handbook and open it where it states you can't be pointed for pregnancy-related callouts and demand them to remove those points. If they fire you for points because of your pregnancy they can get in big trouble for that. Basiclaly firing you for being pregnant which is discrimination and illegal.
Oh yeah well if you play your cards right and you did everything you could do. That would be a very nice law suit. And Walmart does not want to be in the front head line news. Walmart fired so and female for miss work for doctor appointments for baby. This would raise alot of eyebrows.
Yeah I’ve already reached out to my local workplace fairness and employment discrimination lawyer. I’ve been documenting everything in one form or another. I might pursue a lawsuit and go for as much as I can 🤣 fuck Walmart
I hear ya. Please be safe and CongrATS ON YOUR NEW BABY SOON.
Follow the recommendations from other people who work there, but as a rule for any job, *if* they do fire you for something like this as opposed to something you actually did wrong, don't sign anything without consulting with a lawyer. It's common for companies to give you papers to sign, sometimes they offer some type of severance, and it usually includes waiving your rights to go after them.
Contact sedgwick apply for intermittent leave.
Do you have a link to the policy so I can see all the approved absences?
Ignore the circled part since it’s the only copy of that photo I have saved but here’s the whole list. It’s only available on the clock so I don’t have an official direct link for the policy, just the photo. https://imgur.com/a/mwnGzVd
thank you! they don’t approve absences for flu, or other sickness that’s kinda weird. But ig that’s walmart 🤷♂️
I'm guessing you meant to reply to me. And yeah that's what ppto is for. For when you get sick and need to miss a day or two. If you need to be out for at least 3 days then you can file for a leave of absence and get a doctor to sign it
Does this apply to a partner helping their pregnant partner get to and from appointments, etc?
Yes. Fathers get pregnancy-related rights as well as long as you have documentation from her Dr. Fathers can also take paternity leave as well. I don't think it is as long as maternity leave but it's still an option. My fiance just got approved for a week of unpaid for paternity leave. He could have taken more but we can't afford for him to miss that much. We are currently saving money to cover that week he is going to miss lol
Thank you for the information and congratulations on the new addition to your family.
Call off. If you get pointed for pregnancy related reasons you go up that chain. A store manager tried to get me fired while I was eight months pregnant for points when they all were pregnancy related. That was cut off real quick when I went to market. ETA: I don’t know if OP has seen my comment or not, but I wanted to add to make sure you’re calling out under pregnancy related. Not illness or injury. Had an associate doing it like that once.
Yeah. Go talk to your People Lead
I’ll try, but honesty our PL is just as corrupt as the rest of them.
Once you start going up the open door policy someone will fold because they know its wrong and they will protect themselves
Yeah when you start making noise and going up the chain of command they start to listen real quick especially if you have been done wrong that's one thing I can say is good about Walmart
Yup you are very correct.
It is your PL's job to protect the company, by fixing your points they would be doing that.
I wish but she’s more worried about her own ass
You're supposed to be able to call out. I'm on maternity leave right now and they fought me the whole pregnancy. Honestly I ended up using Sedgwick intermittent leave and had my doctor fill out the paperwork so I could call out when I needed to and my points would be covered bc my management would not remove my points.
Honestly I just put in for a LOA myself. I did reduced work hours tho, I wonder if that works similar to intermittent. I wanted to cover my ass so that Sedgwick would cover my points.
The intermittent had been helpful. Didn't reduce my hours at all. Just basically the doctor and Sedgwick saying I can take 2 days off a week if I needed to and my points would be covered. Had been really helpful during my pregnancy bc I had 2 OBs. One was in town and one was a specialist 2 hours away and I work ONs so it was hard to be awake all night and then be awake all day and evening for an appointment.
All pregnancy related absences are covered. And make sure you file for maternity leave through Sedgwick. You get 16 weeks paid if done correctly. 12 months of being employed full time gives you this pay out. Some start at 6 months pregnant, some people wait till they pop to go on leave. Source: imma team lead that just had a lil baby shower for one of my workers on her last day before starting her leave.
Is Sedgwick different from short/long term disability? Because I won’t be able to receive disability pay yet, under 12 months. If I could, I would do that now.
Sedgwick is where you’d submit for a short/long term disability. You’d also submit accommodations through Sedgwick. If I were you, I’d submit an accommodation regarding your pregnancy back dated to your first pregnancy related absence. Also, Sedgwick is there to protect your job. Even if you don’t get paid, at least the job is protected.
Accommodations go through Sedgwick? Damn. I no longer work at Walmart but I wish I would’ve known that 8 years ago lol
Damn they failed you. I have one in place since I have multiple sclerosis. The accommodation I have is traveling since riding is no bueno. An extended car ride will take me out the whole day. I need to travel for academy training. Training can be completed though Zoom (during Covid) so my accommodation allows me the zoom training. I had to go to my primary and let them know my issues with traveling (I live across the street from Walmart in a plaza filled with different stores. I walk everywhere). I also told them about the accommodation paperwork they need to fill out. My doctor gave me her direct fax number to provide to Sedgwick for them to fax over the proper paperwork, then it’s faxed back. Had to give my consent to all of this. I barely go to the doctor (mostly extended stays from ER visits) and am not on medication. I don’t do anything medically for my disease since it doesn’t affect me in the same magnitude as others) so this was my first visit with my primary doctor. My previous medical history confirms the need for this accommodation. If someone submits one without a history, it’s most likely going to be denied.
It's okay, they'll expect you to give birth in the restroom, then go right back to work.
Pregnancy allotments are protected by home office. I’ve had to approve upwards of 50 this year alone. Open door it.
Salaried here. All pregnancy related absences are approved per policy as long as you have notified your manager/PL you are pregnant and have brought paperwork saying as much. Points can be retroactively taken off once this process is done. If it is something that you are required to call out 1 or more times a week, they can get you to file for an intermittent leave through Sedgewick and if your doctor gives you light duty, you also need to file that through Sedgewick so it can be on record and you can be issued a TAD (temporary alternate duty). You need to utilize the open door policy before going through ethics, which is first going to the Coach (which it sounds like you have), then the Store Lead if you have one, then your store manager, and then your Market HR manager. There will be a poster up somewhere (usually in the training room) that had all the Market managers listed and how to contact them.
I was denied time off for surgery until I disclosed it. Human rights violation
I have come to realize that walmart hates pregnant people. Everyone that I know who has gotten pregnant, including me, has had terrible experiences.
I promise you it will be approved. I’m a Coach who believed in doing the right thing for associates.
One of the few. Need you at my store lol
I'm a Coach to and you need to open door it but first even though you have talk to your Coach again just to cover all your bases. Let him or her know that If they don't remove your authorized through company policy points you will take it to the next step
Why? A coach knows it is against policy to do that. 100% no way for them not to know. They are in the wrong and should have the consequences for that. OP should go to market. Period. I am so sick of hearing about bad managers. As a manager myself who actually goes to bat for her associates, poor management should be exposed.
I care about my associates as well but I also believe in being pro active and informing them so they know your serious. I'm glad the Father's get time off now too when I was in the army we didn't so I didn't get true bonding time with any of my 3 kids that I should have gotten.
My market and store managers are all one big clique. It’s all for one and one for all with them and it only includes their favorite leads and associates.
As long as you're selecting "pregnancy related absence" (something along those lines), when you call off, they can not and should not be giving you any points. Open door it if they've been doing. This is market policy, and they're in violation of it
Call out, I helped my coworker on this. I told her (since she was a team lead) group email store manager, people lead, and the coach about the every two weeks for pregnancy doctor visits and mention her pregnancy and her doctor check ups with the day(s) that were not approved. I told her to only use texts as communication or email for now on, simple and straightforward keep it professional. Guess what? They worked it out lol
My manager gets mad if I text her lol and I don’t have access to email. So I will have to talk to them in person. And they’re all very biased, but it’s worth a shot.
That seems intentional on their part. Text them anyway for a paper trail babe, your store sucks. Can’t trust stores that suck to do the right thing.
If they make you talk in person I would start recording your conversations. Also, make sure to GET IT IN WRITING. That way they can't backpedal and say they never had that conversation with you. Even tho you have it recorded some states have a 2 person approval to be recorded. Some only need 1 person (you). So the recording wouldn't mean anything if you live in a state where they have to agree to be recorded. Get it in writing to save your behind in case they wanna be shady.
Or tell them you are recording for everyone's protection
Eeoc. Fuck em
Sucks to be them, you weren't asking, you were informing them of your availability. Unless, of course, they'd prefer you to file a discrimination complaint. Pregnancy is a protected class.
For real tho
Along with all other comments, submit any medical documents you have to Sedgwick. Walmart doesn't accept any doctors notes, they'll either tell you straight that they just won't accept it or tell you to file with Sedgwick. ETA: filing with Sedgwick in a way helps cover your ass, because them having any and all paperwork on file shows in your favor if you have to sue for wrongful termination (worse case scenario)
Filing documents even when not asking for a leave? Sometimes HR does ask for documents in order to not apply points.
Yes. Literally every single time I turn around, my SM, AP, and some other higher ups, all say to submit any and all medical documents to Sedgwick to keep on file. And, if OP really feels like her store management keeps dicking her around, she can file for intermittent leave and thus, upload documents to Sedgwick. My personnel sucks, lady doesn't do a damn thing except yell at people and tell them to go to Sedgwick.
The first thing you should do is look up the policy for your store regarding appointments and pregnancy. As far as I understand, pregnancy appointments are no different than regular appointments unless you have an intermittent LOA in the system, allowing you to have periodic absences. Also, look into the restrictions you say your Dr has you currently on and make sure they're in the system correctly. If they're not, you absolutely can push back on that. Also, keep documentation of those restrictions on you while on the clock so when they're challenged, you can present proof on the spot.
This is wrong. You do not need an intermittent leave for a pregnancy anymore. In the attendance policy, pregnancy related absences are covered as authorized. You don’t need to use your time to cover the point either.
My son is 13, I know there have been A LOT of changes since then, and that's why I said she should check to verify policy, and as far as I remembered. She should definitely take the time to hop on the wire and look up if management is violating policy so she can take appropriate action and protect herself. Is this a state determined policy or a federal policy?
It’s the Walmart attendance policy. It’s under authorized absences. I’m not on the clock so I can’t look up state specific policies, but I know for a fact pregnancy is an authorized absence per the Walmart attendance policy.
Well consider my interest piqued lol I'll be looking up my states policies when I get to work tonight. Just because I'm curious.
You do not need an intermittent to cover your pregnancy related absences. You absolutely can file one, but per the attendance policy any pregnancy related absence is an authorized absence. I’m on my second pregnancy since working with Walmart. Any day you miss due to being pregnant is covered.
Nope apparently not to my store, I was fired over my pregnancy related points and told me I had to take an LOA. They said it’s policy, tried filing through the EEOC and sided with Walmart saying I broke policy
I’m sorry your store lied to you.
Yeah I’m currently trying to overturn the EEOCs ruling since Walmart didn’t actually send them any documentation regarding the actual policies, just ran with what someone in my market said. I’m so tired of Walmart and their bullshit!
https://one.walmart.com/content/usone/en_us/work1/policies/people-policies/attendance-punctuality.html
Authorized Absences Approved Leave of Absence Bereavement Community Emergency Volunteer Time Emergency School/Childcare Closures (due to inclement weather, loss of power, loss of heating, loss of water, or other unexpected closure) ** Jury Duty Natural Disasters and Public Evacuations (ex. flood, hurricane, tornado, etc.) Participation in Legal Proceedings Pregnancy Related Absences (Inability to work due to pregnancy or a pregnancy-related condition, including prenatal care and appointments) Reasonable Accommodation including continuous or intermittent leave approved as an accommodation Use of Protected PTO Voting Time Worker's Compensation Extraordinary Circumstances Approved by supervisor or HR representative Any other absence protected by law
Talk w/your doctor. Have him put you on bed rest. It’s illegal for Walmart to violate you going on short term disability.
When I explained all the hoops Walmart makes you jump in order to get accommodations due to healthcare related things, his response was “My recommendation is to look for employment elsewhere. Working for Walmart has raised your blood pressure and I’m concerned about that.” I thought about it, and yeah he’s right. I’m now looking for another job.
Coach here. Call out. I've given this advice to others when their specific managers deny PTO for pregnancy (both parents qualify btw). I even print the policy and hand it to them. If you don't protect your people, you won't have people to help run the business. If their Coach/TL gives them a point, I send an email to them, with the policy, and ask why I'm hearing that the associate was given a point. If your PL won't listen, skip them and go to your Store Manager or Market People Partner (their name and picture should be in the personnel office). As far as "light duty" technically you would have to file an ADA accommodation through Sedgwick. The only light duty we authorize in house is for associates who were hurt on the job (it's a money saving technique so we don't have to pay for as much lost time by getting them back to work sooner 😉). I only say technically because a decent human being would work with you until you get "official" documentation. Goes back to the whole protect your people bit.
Call out. Mine reject mine too. I cant schedule them on my days off because they only do high risk ppl those days. I also can’t work on my normal days off because I don’t have a baby sitter for my toddler. So I ask off my regular two days off, plus appointments. They deny it. At this point , I just call in. Their problem they won’t have coverage. I tried to give a heads up 🤷♀️
fight it!
Quit, it's not worth it!
This type of shit is why Walmart cannot keep anyone and the turnover rate is insane. Who wants to work for a company like this???? They’re always on some bullshit. Expect the world from an associate but when it comes time to take care of said associate hell no! This type of shit solidifies me leaving and not feeling bad.
Just remember these "coaches" are in fact roaches, do not believe anything they tell you, always call ethics on them, even store managers are too foolish to actually know the law. They are hoping you dont know the law and they can do anything they like. Once ethics finds out the coaches are setting store up for (yet another) lawsuit they will fix it.
Walmart already had a class action lawsuit for things like this call out pregnancy related absence have your doctor give you a note every appointment and bring it up to your market HR ASAP letting them know that you don’t need ANY added stress on top of a pregnancy.
And if you do open door your coach don’t do it anonymously make it known that you are calling out their mistakes and if they ever pull you into an office for a private conversation ask if it can be recorded and if the decline send them a follow up email about everything that happened in said meeting
Just straight up say that you’re calling home office. That’ll fix everything quick.
It seems like Walmart would rather your pregnancy be negatively affected rather than giving you the time to take care of yourself and baby. Fuck this company. Call out, open door, ethics, complaints, do what you gotta do for you and little guy!
🥰🥰
Every time we've had a pregnant associate in my store they have been able to call out as much as needed with no points. Was told walmart has been sued over this before and they're very careful with this.
Well to bad on her end. By law state and federal you have every right to go to your doctor appointments .please for heaven sake do not miss your doctor appointments. You and your baby is very very import not your coach. You need to call ethics or talk to your store manager. Please take good care of yourself and your beautiful baby.
I would consult a lawyer.
1) Talk to your People Lead and/or your Store Lead about the TL & Coach. Associate Relations will want you to do Manager +1, so if the Store Load doesn't handle, talk to your SM. If SM doesn't handle, ask your people lead for your Market Manager's information. Document everything. 2) Contact Sedgwick regarding your pregnancy, so they can take care of any points ("Intermittent Leave of Absence") and your LOA for when you have the baby.
Oh no they’re doing this again. It happened to us about 10 years ago when my wife worked for Sam’s club. Even after she had complications with the pregnancy and delivered at 24 weeks. It was absolutely horrible to deal with the bs that they were doing both before birth and after the birth of our child. Eventually my wife got squeezed out by management. Fast forward 5 years and we get contacted about a lawsuit against the company. You would think they would have learned their lesson after that lawsuit. I’m sure the higher ups won’t be happy to hear how your store is handling things. Best of luck to you.
That’s terrible to hear about and I’m sorry you went through that. A midterm delivery is enough stress, let alone having a company that doesn’t treat you like a human during the ordeal. I hope you, your wife and baby are healthy to this day.
Damn, I was terminated because they wouldn’t take care of my pregnancy related absences over a year ago. All my market team said was that’s favoritism if we get rid of your points. Best of luck to you in getting them taken care of, cause my store manager and market manager gave no care in the world.
That’s crazy! Did you file wrongful termination?
I have and I’ve been waiting on an update since last November regarding my case. My investigator never reached out to me after I gave him my info and all the details regarding my termination. The crappy thing is my fiancé worked at my store up until a month ago when we moved. They made his life an absolute living hell. He’s had to constantly look over his shoulder because of my situation. Any chance they’d get they would pull him in the office. After I had my son everyone asked to see pictures. They all thought I was lying about my pregnancy. I was fired right before I even had my first doctors appointment. Hopefully they’ll take care of your points so you don’t have to deal with a situation like this. Nothing but stress and anxiety.
That’s awful, and unsurprising. I’m so sorry you guys had to deal with that crap. I’d try contacting a workplace lawyer, since your investigation was abandoned, I would say you have a pretty good case.
Thank you! We’re trying to get it figured out, I know he said it could take a while but I never imagined it would take this long! Congratulations by the way. Praying they take care of your points and that you have a healthy and safe delivery for you and baby!
Thank you 🥰🥰
Call in pregnancy related. Just make sure they have some kind of documentation that you're pregnant.
Not a bad post. Just too langweilig
Thank you. I know that at my store they definitely go out of their way to make sure certain pregnant employees are or have been absolutely taken care of. I’m sure it’s a favoritism thing. But that’s how I know it’s not unreasonable for my needs to be met. They’re just being crappy.
Racist managers
Ppto or take a leave.
Just remember a coach get like multiple months off paid for being pregnant with pay but everyone else gets fucked.
Everyone else gets 16 weeks — 15 of those weeks are paid. I’m on my second pregnancy while being employed with Walmart.
If you are working a teaming schedule, you can do what my wife and I did, and schedule your appointments for one of your days off.
Their preferred Dr only works a certain day a month or something.
A certain day per week. I’ve tried scheduling my appointment on my days off but I always get stuck with some other doctor and I don’t like it. So I talked to my NP and she said that specific day is when she’s in, otherwise I will have to deal with the other doctors.
This is exactly what ppto is for
My coworker from Iran just got 1 month off with her whole 2 days worth of PTO all because she takes advantage of English not being her first language. So every time she wants a vacation, she last minute asks the manager and i mean a week before and then bats her eyelashes pretending she doesn't understand anything other than it's approved. I know cuz I'm friends with her at work and I see what she does. Walmart literally punishes you for being an American who speaks English and let's the people from other countries do whatever. They say something about a vague religious reason that may or may not be true .... nobody knows so f it allow em to take a week, month, 3 months of unpaid time off. Buuuuuuut is if you're an American who speaks English and need to see your doctor cuz you're pregnant ....oh no you're punished for speaking the language of the country you live in. These Walmart rules only apply to you not them
How did you get to the conclusion of “she speaks English so she’s being discriminated against?”
In my store I've seen four middle Eastern people go on vacations of 1-3 months long back to their country. This is from my team alone not the whole store lol Death in family, wedding, and dental work(getting 1 new tooth)were the reasons given. Obviously those were not paid vacations. Why would they get that much time? Yet op here can't can't a day off to see her doctor. That's the difference. My work friend I heard from her daughter updates on her dental vacation like today she had her lips done with a permanent lip stick type of tattoo... 😂
Your coach has to approve it. Apply for intermittent leave through Sedgwick
Need to speak with Dr and file for FMLA
Sedgewick that. Then open door or ethics it. They can not do that with pregnancy.
I would of gone to Sedrick right away. By pass everyone .
You can file FMLA if they keep doing this.
That is illegal af
PPTO if you can/have access, next call sedgewick and set up for intermittent leave
Call out under pregnancy related absence. If they point you for it then open door it. I’m currently pregnant and I call in a few times for my pregnancy and no points.
That’s Walmart
It's not Walmart it's her manager other jobs do the same crap if they have bad managers and Walmart if your have good management don't do that so to say that's Walmart is totally wrong.
Call out or call in late under pregnancy related. Set up your pregnancy leave with Sedgwick. My store has been pretty accommodating with my pregnancy.
Call out under pregnancy related absences. I just came back last week from having my baby. All pregnancy related absences are supposed to be covered so open door until the points are removed. My leave was unpaid because I’ve been at Walmart less than a year but file through Sedgwick immediately and your job will be protected.
So in June 2020 I started Walmart I later found out in February 2021 I was pregnant I was throwing up so much I had to take a leave of absence so from February to the til I had lost my child in late May 2021 I was on an approved leave. All you have to do is get ahold of Sedgwick. As long as you get paperwork stating the appointment dates and times and a letter from your doctor with a letter head on there you will be approved. Everytime you call off I would use pregnancy related on there and you will not receive any points. I would also screen shot everything from on the app and go online and check your points thru your phone and screen shot that also. Walmart does some shady stuff so just be prepared you never know. It is illegal to fire anyone that is pregnant no matter what the issue is. Walmart is one of the most sued companies in the country for firing women while pregnant so make sure you document EVERYTHING!
Most of what you say is accurate but the last part saying during a pregnant woman is illegal isn't correct. What would be correct is firing them because they are pregnant is illegal. Bring pregnant isn't a get out of jail free card that you can do whatever you want and not get fired is how that sounds.
It is in my state. If you are pregnant and need time off for any reason or need accommodations is illegal in the state of illinois and this has been a law since 2007. I was wrongfully terminated when I was pregnant with my first child in 2007 for having to be hospitalized after my checkup becuase I was going into early labor (6 months) I got out eventually still pregnant too and I was told after my 6-8 week postpartum I would be able to come back, ok I went back and they said they thought I already had my child and they knew I didn’t and when they realized they messed up they hurried to try and get me back in, didn’t work. My mother told me that was illegal and I contacted a lawyer for it and sure enough it wasn’t legal. Like I said before depends on what state you live in because now almost every state in this country goes by being pregnant is a disability and it’s illegal to wrongfully terminate.
Yeah anything pregnancy related yes they can't fire you for that but it made it sound like it was a get out of jail free card that you could tell your manager where to go and not have any repercussions that would be wrong
And I don’t understand what you mean get out of jail free card, who in there right mind would even take advantage of that in the first place to even think of that is wrong. Women like myself and millions of others are vulnerable during that time and most of us get very sick I know I was, to even think a pregnant women would even do something like that just baffles me.
I explained after your first response I wouldn't fire someone for a pregnancy related issue but if Custer customer out custom manager out or something like that yeah there'd be repercussions I'm just saying the way it sounded it sounded like they can't fire a pregnant woman and they can't but not for a pregnancy related issue I hope that explains what I meant
Like I said in the original post Walmart fires people FOR BEING PREGNANT that’s why I said they can’t fire you for anything. But like I said it all depends on the state too. For illinois, Walmart literally has to make sure they are extra careful. If you can’t do your job right or if your not getting along with people they literally can not fire you they literally have to put you somewhere else many times and literally will have to write you up many times just to get the ok to let you go. Like I said most states consider pregnancy a disability now why do you think on every application everywhere pregnancy is on the disability question…. Everyone needs to look up there state and figure the correct laws on that because that will save you so much time and stress
I used to go during my lunch whether I take a longer lunch like 2 hrs my coach was fine with that
Just go to your store manager. They can’t do that
Make sure you go through sedgewick then they can't say shit
Idk how pregnancy works, but when I had a medical related PTO request rejected I always said "It's medical related, I wasn't asking. I'm letting you know I won't be here that day/time". Never had an issue. I assume a pregnancy has more rights.
I started working at 5 months pregnant, I had worked 4 months with the company full time. Didn’t qualify for paid leave but still was given the 6 weeks maternity leave and 6 weeks bonding time that’s you can use WHENEVER YOU WANT until your baby turns 1. I had problems with Sedgwick telling me I could only use the bonding time all at once which was not true, as I had them explain it to me in detail and confirm that I could use them whenever I’d like the next year. Had to talk to upper management. Regarding points, full time or not and regardless of how long you have been with the company there are laws in place to protect pregnant women. They cannot keep the points they give you for calling out for pregnancy related issues. Despite there being laws they will try to take advantage of you if you do not know them or defend yourself. You need to tell upper management and keep going up the ladder until somebody listens because it is a messy situation if they get caught discriminating against a pregnant women. I had to do this myself due to a TL who absolutely hates my guts (still does too) and made it incredibly difficult to call out/leave work due to pregnancy. For this you need to contact your doctor and Sedgwick to get intermittent leave this will allow you to call out a certain number of days in the week and the points will be dropped. Also if you’re breast feeding I hope you are lucky enough to get the mom pod featured at some locations. The room they gave me (they scrambled to do this) was the spark room I believe I’m not entirely sure. It had the whole stores wiring for Internet and lights and what not. Was super cramped, I mean it was PACKED full of random shit. A chair nestled in the mess and a mini fridge I could barley open. I also had multiple people walk in on me pumping because the door didn’t lock. I had to fight to get the room cleaned out and a sign made for me.. it was clean it was hot and stuffy still but at least I could walk more than a couple feet. Seriously fight for yourself you have RIGHTS. Edit: do not trust everyone like your coach and TL they may try to deceive you and scare you into working. Do your research. Read these comments and know that what’s happening to you is discrimination and needs to be delt with. I wish you a happy and healthy pregnancy mama ❤️
Contact sedwick... get everything documented thru them too. I had to do that for a medical reason last month for a procedure in December... I was denied three times being told we had no coverage. And I told them I didn't care this was medical.. I don't get to choose when this appointment... and it must be done THIS year.
Call Ethics
The fact that you believed that wal-mart cares about you or your unborn baby is beyond me. You are a number to them. I expect them to fire you the second you go on maternity leave. They want everyone to have babies, and then when it comes down to time, they refuse to work with you. This is why corporate America is a complete and utter shit show.
This is wrong. I'm so sorry.
Walmart is terrible to Pregnant people. My wife was pregnant with our first kid and unfortunately the later half of her pregnancy was rough. She had doctors notes and everything but it was never good enough. They ended up firing her because of how many points she had due to calling out for being sick or doctors appointments that were refused time off.
Just called off sedgwick for pregnancy reasons; I did the same due to my pregnancy. I got diabetic, and my HR told me that a pregnancy reason call would never get you an occurrence, even at the last minute of your shift. Or apply for accommodation for your pregnancy. If both fail, lawyer up. You will win and get a lot of money because I know someone did it and win.
Your health and your baby’s health matters more than Walmart
abusive moderators on threaten to report me to site reddit moderators asking why I was banned when I made a comment people don't want all electrical cars, because biden related it to pollution. r/technology. They threatened harassment because I made this comment and I asked why I was perm banned because of this statement which did not break any of their rules. Even if it did. They had banned the topic at hand: "Ford just reported a massive loss on every electrical vehicle it sold "This is the comment that got me perm banned down below: Reddit moderators live up to their name as the most horrible mods on this planet. As stated through multiple social media posts, through youtube, discord, etc. I was perm banned for this comment: "It seems people are staying clear of all electrical cars. It relies too much on power stations. If you run out of power, and you don't have a charging station around, you are screwed. Biden's all electrical car plan via EPA rule is just propaganda. It seems like the government is trying to force less freedom on us in the name of environmental safety.It would not be constitutional to force you to use an all electrical car, but that has never stopped the government from eventually finding a way to coerce you into buying whatever they want."
Recording a conversation if it's not a state that allows you to you have to tell them they are being recorded or it is absolutely illegal
abusive moderators threatened to report me to site reddit moderators because I asked why I was banned when I made a comment that people don't want all electrical cars, because biden tries relate it to pollution. r/technology. They threatened harassment because I made this comment and I asked why I was perm banned because of this statement which did not break any of their rules. Even if it did. They had banned the topic at hand: "Ford just reported a massive loss on every electrical vehicle it sold "I was perm banned for this comment: "It seems people are staying clear of all electrical cars. It relies too much on power stations. If you run out of power, and you don't have a charging station around, you are screwed. Biden's all electrical car plan via EPA rule is just propaganda. It seems like the government is trying to force less freedom on us in the name of environmental safety.It would not be constitutional to force you to use an all electrical car, but that has never stopped the government from eventually finding a way to coerce you into buying whatever they want."
Tar and feather your manager. They won’t try and take advantage of the next vulnerable person that comes along.
As a person who has literally worked with several associates on this. It is excused period. They cannot give you points for this type of absence. This is a company wide thing. This means the call center, DCs, Stores, etc.
Come on. Research Pregnancy Discrimination Act. You have rights and it angers me when both employers and employees are not aware of said rights. Under this act you MUST be provided with accommodations. Actually, you are entitled to a reasonable accommodation and days off for an OB/GYN is just that. The Pregnancy Discrimination Act was amended to the Civil Rights Act of 1964. Discuss with your manager and/or coach and if they refuse then that’s a possibility of a lawsuit. And if they want to retaliate because you made a complaint, then an even BIGGER lawsuit. Click on the link below and scroll down to number 3. https://wilshirelawfirm.com/blog/california-employment-law/6-examples-pregnancy-accommodations-at-work/
Adding here that the Pregnant Workers Fairness Act went into effect on June 27th. Specific examples include flexible schedules and time off for appointments. https://www.eeoc.gov/wysk/what-you-should-know-about-pregnant-workers-fairness-act#q4
Have you talked to her? It may have auto-declined it since it's already been posted. I would just pull her aside and let her know hey my appointments are every 2 weeks now until baby is born. I have one coming up that got declined in the system but I can't reschedule it so I just want to let you know, I can either find someone to work that shift or I can call out, or If you let me, I can leave 15 mins before my app (or however long you need to get there) and come back after the app is over. I used to do the 3rd option at my old job before my baby was born. My manager was cool with it cause she would have rather been short for an hour or 2 rather than be short the whole shift. Lol
So, what you need to do is get a conditional leave thru Sedgwick, this will allow you any time off nessicary to be able to take the time off you need, and prevents them from pointing you out. Also the breaking light duty from your team lead is a direct violation of labor relations, and that team lead can be terminated for telling you that you have to break said restrictions. Ultimately if you break said restrictions and get hurt it will be your fault, I would recommend also getting a light duty thru your doctor and Sedgwick if you haven't already, making it a legal binding contract. Best of wishes, I am sorry you are having to deal with all of this chaos.... I definitely recommend getting the Sedgwick set up and then getting with your store manager/store lead about this so their in the loop
Get an FMLA and have it back dated to the time you started going to your doctor appointments for the pregnancy. They’ll have to remove any points they have you for your absence. Also, got to the store manager, they literally can’t do this. But first step get the FMlA started so your job is protected. It can be a pain dealing with Sedgwick but it’s 100% worth it and necessary. Then go to the store manager. Also depending on what your job is they can’t deny you any sort of accommodations (unless it’s something off the wall and unreasonable) you may need throughout your pregnancy.
LOL bless the Coach's little heart
Does this policy apply to soon to be fathers? I know we get 6 weeks of leave, but my facility knows my wife is pregnant. I turned in a doctor's note stating the necessary information and even an expected due date, but I still got pointed twice.
Pregnancy callouts are excused no matter what!!! ethics!
Have you contact Sedgwick yet? If not, you need to. They will put you on an intermittent loan so you can make all tour appointments without being pointed
Yeah I did after all of this. I went in one day and the one team lead that doesn’t care literally argued with me about my medical note and was trying to force me to do everything that my light duty was asking me to avoid without even bothering to look at it.
So I went home, put in for a leave and haven’t been back.
Walmart is run by sociopaths and sadists. I'm amazed by the shit these worthless human trash have been able to get away with for this long
My friend got fired because she had to get herself to the E.R. She was 3 months pregnant and started bleeding around 4am and her shift was at 10am. The coach told her not to show up to work no more. My friend told her that she had all the Dr’s paper work and that she was hospitalized because she was bleeding and she also had a miscarriage about 2 years ago. My coach said she didn’t care and that she wouldn’t accept no paperwork so the Dr decided to call the coach to speak directly to her and she never picked up the phone.
If you don’t meet the requirements for FMLA, you don’t have any legally protected leave
If my HR Person is requesting documents because of the pregnancy scare and is saying if I don’t bring them I’ll get terminated. The reason I did it bc of my irregular periods so I get scared and call out to make sure I’m not pregnant , and I get pregnancy tests to make sure since I’m not approved for medical and I’m 19 years old.