Be Prepared to Show Proof
If your employer refuses to grant you time off under FMLA and you believe that you qualify, it can be helpful to print a copy of the act and show it to your boss. If they still refuse, you can contact an attorney who has experience with labor disputes, or even put in a call to the state labor department. They may be able to intervene on your behalf, but understand that you might alienate your employer
If you don’t qualify for FMLA, check with your state to see if they offer any protection or programs for men on maternity leave. If you belong to a union, speak with the representative to see if they offer any benefits or can help you negotiate some time off. You can also check with your employer to see if they’d be willing to negotiate some unpaid time off or other alternative, like working from home part time. Make sure to speak with your employer as soon as you can; they’ll appreciate the extra notice and time to work out alternate arrangements.
With a little advance planning it’s possible for both parents to take some time off of work to enjoy the birth, or adoption, of their baby. As a result, we’ll hopefully see more men on maternity leave.
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