With the assistance of Commissioner for Human Rights in Tomsk Region Elena Kartashova, labour rights of a pregnant woman were restored. The order of her discharge was cancelled, and all required payments were made.

Ms F. complained to the Commissioner about an abuse of her labour rights by her employer. The complainant said that she had been discharged from employment after her supervisors had found out that she was pregnant. During the suspension she was paid neither her salary nor sick leave. As Ms F. has two infant children, the loss of wages brought her family to the brink survival.

Having analysed the case, the Commissioner addressed the employer of Ms F. with a request to consider some option of a peaceful settlement of the dispute. As stress during pregnancy should be avoided, a Commissioner’s representative acted as a mediator and entered into the talks with her employer on behalf of Ms F. As the result the employer decided to cancel the order of her suspension. In accordance with the law all proper money will be paid back.

The woman had previously petitioned a wide range of different bodies, which had an authority to assist, but it was the Commissioner who interfered and helped to restore the complainant’s rights.

Adapted from the Press Service of the Commissioner for Human Rights in Tomsk Region