I’m About To Be Fired For Bad Performance (pregnancy Discrimination)

I’m about to be fired for “bad performance” (pregnancy discrimination)

I am a sales professional working for a franchise. In September 2024, I announced my pregnancy to my employer.

Two months later, on November 11, 2024, I was placed on a Performance Improvement Plan (PIP), even though my performance was in the median range, and other underperforming employees were not put on PIPs. The timing of my PIP closely followed my inquiries about short-term disability and maternity leave benefits, which my employer did not have in place at the time and had to create after my announcement.

Initially, I was given 30 days to improve, but my PIP has since been extended twice, now totaling 90 days, with a final evaluation set for February 11, 2025. Despite being told I’ve made “great progress,” my employer has refused to take me off the PIP.

I was also promoted in April 2024 to a higher salary and title, showing that my performance was valued before my pregnancy. The stress caused by this situation has significantly impacted my well-being during my pregnancy, and I believe I have been unfairly targeted due to my pregnancy and my request for benefits.

Can anyone provide any insight?