You may want to continue working when you’re pregnant, but the baby may have other ideas. Expectant mothers may have physical conditions that prevent them from working or require accommodations to continue working until the baby arrives. Thanks to the Minnesota Paid Leave Program (MPLP) and Pregnancy and Parental Leave Act, you have the right to time off if you need it.
If your employer does not grant you these rights or fires you because you took advantage of state law, you may have grounds for a legal claim. A seasoned wrongful termination attorney, such as those at Wanta Thome Employment Lawyers, can help you get the justice you need following a wrongful termination after maternity leave in Minneapolis. Contact us today to begin building your claim.
On January 1, 2026, the MPLP went into effect, providing paid leave for all Minnesota workers. This applies to all employers and their employees, regardless of the size of the company. MPLP also includes both full-time and part-time workers, and self-employed workers can opt in to coverage. The MPLP offers:
Like other family and medical leave laws, you can use MPLP to care for family members with a serious illness or to care for your own illness other than pregnancy. Your employer may require you to take other paid leave concurrently. However, you may have grounds for a wrongful termination maternity leave case if an employer in Minneapolis does not make MPLP available.
All state and federal maternity leave laws guarantee you the right to take leave and to return to the same or equivalent position when you return. Most employers who deny leave do so because you have not been with the company long enough or because the company is too small to meet the requirements.
Your employer cannot terminate you for taking leave, but they can terminate you if they have valid reasons to eliminate your job while you are gone. If your employer fires you while on maternity leave, you should contact a Minneapolis wrongful termination attorney to examine your situation.
Additionally, ask for the reason in writing and keep all documents related to the termination, such as performance reviews and accommodation requests. Never sign anything until you have spoken to an attorney. You may still qualify for unemployment benefits, so you should always file if your employer terminates you. Reach out to our team at Wanta Thome as soon as possible to ensure you receive the recovery you deserve.
The employment discrimination attorneys at Wanta Thome can help you determine if you have a claim against your employer for your wrongful termination after maternity leave in Minneapolis. You may need to gather evidence such as emails from your employer and performance reviews from your HR department. If your employer is unwilling to provide them, an attorney can help you by subpoenaing the company.
Our team will begin by reviewing your case and giving you our best legal opinion on how to proceed with your claim. We work on a contingency fee basis, so you pay nothing until we settle or win your case. Contact us today for a free and confidential consultation.