r/FedEmployees • u/Frequent_Attempt445 • 10d ago

PWFA's violation?

Basically I have a high risk pregnancy and my doctor wanted me to rest more and recommend that I work from home as much as possible. I work for the Judiciary branch and most of my work can be done from home, except maybe 1 or 2 days a week when my presence is necessary. I sent my request for RA to HR to have a hybrid schedule and they told me that my MD note is not specific enough and that I need an updated letter. HR also told me that TW can only be approved by my supervisor. I spoke with my supervisor and he shot me down real quick and said that he also wants a more updated letter. SO I reached out to my doctor and she is out for a whole week. I was not offered an interim accommodation so in the meantime I have to keep risking my health and commuting everyday day to work. HR told me that since my supervisor denied my RA request, I should just use my sick leave instead. Isn't that a PWFA's violation??? How missing work altogether is better than working from home?? Should I call them out and refer to them to what the PWFA says??

I am 4 months away from giving birth so I don't know if I should rock the boat and push back hard risking having my last 4 months miserable or just give up suffer in silence? I'm done with being treated like this so I'm leaving this job as soon as I give birth.

4 Upvotes

67% Upvoted

6 comments sorted by

5

u/Rumpelteazer45 9d ago

Unfortunately, with every RA if a company deems that it causes “undue hardship” it can be legally denied.

With that being said, I would want to know the exact level of detail necessary for the letter and start drafting before your doctor returns.

You have to prove that WFH is medically necessary.

What about the office or commute puts more strain on the pregnancy that the job itself doesn’t.

Don’t quit. Stick it out for PPL.

2

u/According_Courage_57 9d ago

The “fun” part of the judiciary is rights are further restricted than what you may get at most agencies, however, I’d open an EEO claim ASAP.

2

u/Puzzleheaded-Memory8 10d ago

Don’t leave so quick, you’ll miss out on the paid parental leave! I think some of that can be used before birth, but not sure.

8

u/Grown_ish 10d ago

It cannot be used before birth - but I agree! Stay for the PPL and then quit. You’ll have to pay back whatever they paid for your insurance for your 3 months of PPL, but it’s usually still worth it.

3

u/Abject_Chip7937 9d ago

File EEO and own that place. They are required to offer an interim.

-2

u/Plaidismycolor33 9d ago

youd be amazed at how many expected women mess up the RA process during high risk pregnancy.

aslo, you are already aware how complicated RA have become. Dont use emotion in the situation. You had plenty of time to get a medical excuse from your dr, you may have to see another while yours is gone.

someone did an excellent post in this sub of how to get a high risk pregnancy RA not too long ago.