Job discrimination?

Ah, the law vs. how you prove it.  IMHO, it doesn't matter WHAT the law is, the proving part is the rub.  And you're talking about secondary discrimination.  I believe in MA you do not have to have a reason for firing anyone.  I know that's how it is in IL.  After 13 years with my company, regular promotions, stellar annual reviews, etc., I got my first 'less than stellar' review 3 months after dx/surgery and 1 month after starting chemo.  The following January (having finished chemo & rads, but not Herceptin) not only did I not get ANY raise, I didn't even get a performance review at all.  (And we'll also throw in the fact that my manager, on at least 4 occasions, referred in meetings to problems that "were cancers, and you know we have to get rid of them" while looking directly at me (with others in room.)  I am convinced that my company wanted me out because I'm bad for their health insurance.  And that was a year ago, when the economy was in better condition. Despite all, I am convinced that I wouldn't have been able to "prove" a discrimination case.

Don't want to be a downer, but "new management team" is the scary part.  A "new management team" is inevitably brought in to thin the herd.  It is the fastest way to show an improved financial picture.  (Yes, it is all short-term, but that's how these guys work; no matter how often you hear about the long-term.)  I don't know of a major company that isn't doing this.  It is called "job insecurity" and the corporations exploit it to its limits.  We, the People, do not matter.  Only Korporate Amerika matters, because they give the $$ to the pols.  The outgoing sec. of Labor for this administration has said outright 'it is in the interest of business to keep employment insecurity high.'  (You can Google it; I don't have the time right now.)  So your/your husband's best hope is that someone turns that worm around.  And by the time our ship comes in, the dock may be gone.

If it happens, you can try to find a lawyer who will work it on contingency, but you should also be prepared to raise your voices to your US Representative and your 2 Senators.  (Teddy is pretty sympathetic.)  Hope it doesn't come to that.  I'm waiting to hear about layoffs from my company as well, and the prospects out there aren't good.  I'll pray for both of us.

Beth