Pregnancy is the most wonderful time for a woman. At the same time, it would be good to know your rights and be able to defend them in case of violation. This is especially important for working women, so as not to harm themselves and the baby and at the same time not end up on the street without money.
What rights and benefits does a pregnant woman have at work?
According to the laws of the Russian Federation, they tried to protect and protect pregnant women a little, giving them certain privileges. Although often, due to legal illiteracy, most of them simply do not know about some of them, and the employer is in no hurry to talk about it. Also, no one is in a hurry to take a woman in a position to work (although he has no right to refuse for this reason), because pregnant women are no longer good workers (either on maintenance or just for a scheduled appointment), and there is a lot of responsibility for them.
But, despite all the difficulties, a pregnant woman should definitely know what she is entitled to. The basic rules are detailed in SanPiN 2.2.0.555-96 "Hygienic requirements for working conditions of women" in the 4th section.
If a woman works in conditions that may be dangerous or difficult for her (and the baby), then she must be transferred to an easier job while maintaining an average wage. These conditions include: hard physical work, work with chemical and radioactive substances, contacts with infectious diseases, etc. To do this, you must provide the employer with a certificate of your position and a statement requesting a transfer.
Also, a pregnant woman cannot be sent on various business trips, forced to work overtime, on weekends and on night shifts. If you feel unwell (if you have a certificate from a doctor), it is possible to shorten the working day - in this case, wages are paid according to the hours worked.
A pregnant woman also does not have the right to fire, the exception is the complete liquidation of the organization. If a woman worked under a temporary employment contract, then it must be extended at her request.
Thus, pregnant women are indeed protected by law. But, unfortunately, if they do not work in government agencies (where everything is strict with this), a number of problems may arise. The impossibility of transferring to an easier job due to its absence or inadequacy of professional skills, the employer's unwillingness to keep an employee on staff who is constantly on sick leave (in case of constant threats), etc. You can solve all these issues in court, but it is important for yourself to decide whether this will harm the health of the woman and her unborn child (since court cases can drag on for a long time, taking a lot of energy and nerves).
What payments and compensations are due to a working pregnant woman
Women are legally required to take maternity leave at the 7th month of pregnancy. And at the same time, they are entitled to an allowance for 140 days (70 before delivery and 70 after) according to their 100% salary. In case of complicated childbirth or the birth of several children, the leave is increased to 156 and 194 days, respectively. This benefit is paid once (in some cases, by agreement, it can be divided into 2 parts). To receive this leave and benefits, a woman must bring a number of documents to her work (sick leave, application for leave, application for benefits).
After the end of the decree, a woman has the right to go on parental leave to care for a child up to 3 years old. At the same time, her seniority and place are preserved. For the first year and a half, it is paid in the amount of 40% of her salary (now the calculation under the new rules is more complicated - all income for 2 years is taken into account). Further, the vacation will be unpaid (with the exception of privileged categories, including citizens affected by the BSEC). All documents for granting leave must be brought to the place of work (application, birth certificate of the child, a copy of the passport and a certificate from the husband's work that he does not receive anything, as well as documents confirming benefits, if any). And the benefit itself is calculated by the employer, and then the appropriate authorities (FSF, Federal Treasury) compensate him for this.
If a company is liquidated while a woman is on parental leave, she must submit all documents to the social protection authorities in order to receive her benefit there.
After a child reaches 3 years of age, a woman has the right to return to her previous job. In case of its replacement by another employee, its place must be returned or offered an alternative option.
Pregnant women and young mothers are protected by the laws of the Russian Federation, although these laws are not always respected. Therefore, know your rights in order to defend them and not allow yourself to be deceived.
