I am in the state of New Jersey and up until three days ago I was a live-in nanny. I wanted to know if anyone knew anything about laws related to domestics in house. I believe I was fired because I had an abortion. I did not advertise this, I requested an afternoon off, I did not disclose why, but I returned to the house and for some reason, she figured it out. I want to know if I have any protection available to me? I was fired without a day of severance. I lost the place I had called home for the last six months. I found the ad they are using to hire a new nanny and they are requesting "a Christian of strong moral fiber." This further proves my point that I was fired because I did something legal that didn't jive with their beliefs. Without even a day of severance. And I wasn't allowed to say goodbye to the four year old twins I nanny for. I'm a mess. :(
9 comments:
Very touchy subject. Don't know for sure but perhaps they are thinking that if you loved children you would not have abortion? Idk.... I'm sorry to hear you lost your job. Maybe you need to sit and talk with them.
I'm very confused how they could have possibly known!?!! I have taken several afternoons off to run various errands-especially if the business is only open 8-5 M-F. It's a legal, personal option. I'm sorry if their views deem it immoral but if you're in at will state I'm not sure what can be done. Did you have a contract? Live-in nannies must face this issue a lot. What is the contingency plan if you're fired on the spot.
You have no recourse. New Jersey is an at-will employment state. Move along and find a better family.
I'm not familiar with New Jersey laws, but since you worked for them six months, you may be eligible for unemployment. If they haven't been paying you on the books (paying in) then you'll be out of luck I think - and they'll be screwed for having employed you illegally. Perhaps you should go straight to them with that info.
When I was searching for a nanny position, I avoided responding to the ones with phrases like "strong moral fiber," "traditional values," etc. On the surface those sound good, but they're often just code words for people who want an employee that mirrors their social conservatism. That's fine for candidates who do, but not a fit for me.
Um. You definitely have recourse, you were a tenet in their home and they need to give you a 30 day notice. You can sue them as well for discrimination and wrongful termination. Just because it is an at will state, they cannot go about it this way. I would find another family and also a lawyer.
EXACTLY what the previous anonymous post said! What they did was wrong. They aren't allowed to legally fire you because you don't believe the same thing that they do.They aren't allowed to boot you out without any notice. In my opinion this is clearly wrongful termination.
You DO have some recourse, but I don't think that any of us here are the right place to get the best information. I recommend you talking to an attorney ASAP. I would be sure to print out a copy of the new nanny ad that they posted, and bring that to your consultation appt. with an attorney. (Most attorneys will give you a free consultation, and some may even take your case on contingency. Oh, and if they weren't paying you legally... I'd be sure to mention that to the attorney as well.
Talk to a few attorneys, find the one that makes you feel comfortable, and sue. Sue their asses of.
The big problem will be proving they fired her because of an abortion. I doubt they left themselves open to that. I would pursue the course suggested by a previous poster. See if you can qualify for unemployment. Also, you were a tenant. They basically evicted you without notice. Small Claims cases cost a small filing fee, but you should consider taking them to court.
I'm guessing if you were suddenly fired, you probably have bills to pay and the business of finding a home, so I am guessing...finding a lawyer isnt an option. Money talks. Yes, with months of months of researching and networking, maybe you would find a way to get a lawyer to take on your case...but honestly...find a job and move on. You didn't deserve what they did you..but dont let it wreck you
AND even I, who doesn't believe in abortion wouldn't assume someone doesnt love children because they had an abortion. !!! What is wrong with people!
Just find a new job. They obviously don't want you around, just find another family. There is no reason to try to force the issue. If you sue them, you may buy a month or two - but is it worth it?
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