Am I being fired for taking paternity leave?
Am I being fired for taking paternity leave?
I am currently the GM of a construction company, and took paternity leave last month. I had agreed to 4 weeks with my employer, and was unfortunately met with a lot of push back. The company wanted me to be on call the entire time because "there is still a business to run". I said, I will train team members to assume my responsibilities and was told "you can't just dump all of your responsibilities on everyone". It led to a big dispute between myself and the owner of the company. I simply had to say I'm being very firm on this, am entitled to the time away, and cannot jeopardize my family in anyway by prioritizing my job.
Fast forward to yesterday, I attempted to connect with my boss before returning on Tuesday after the holiday weekend. I said, I am fully prepared to take back control of billing, scheduling and site walks (my most significant responsibilities). He explained to me that moving forward other team members will take responsibility of those tasks, and they are no longer part of my role. I then asked what he needs me to immediately take control of when I return next week. He said "actually why don't you stay out for an additional 2 weeks, and we can have a discussion when you return".
I am obviously confused by this, and nervous about what I am returning to. I did not go on paternity leave on a good note, but absolutely did my best and the most appropriate things when training everyone. It was a lose lose situation for myself and my family, but I chose to prioritize family first.
My question is, am I likely to be fired as soon as I return? Does anyone have advice? I am the sole earner as my wife is a SAHM.
I have worked for the company for 5 years and am pretty upset if this is how it is ending.