What are my rights working as a Pregnant Massage Therapist?

[kld726]

Ok, so I've been working at a salon that caters to men. Haircuts, shaves, nails, pedi's, waxing, etc.
And of course Massage Therapy. I have been there a year in March. Business was always on the slow side. I'm supposedly considered the full-time therapist and have always been an ON-CALL therapist (tues-sat). I tried doing a the hourly pay rate of $7.50/hour plus a low 30% commission for the first few weeks, sitting around for 4-5 hours a day, to see if it would make any difference for me building more clients. It didn't... and I was bored as Hell! So I spoke with the owner/boss and we agreed to a 50/50 split (on-call) situation. It worked fine, but it was never a secure or consistent paycheck. It actually pretty much sucks. However, it is something and helps me help pay the bills.
Shame on me, I guess, for not getting better work, but the economy has been crap, and I liked the flexibility.

Now I find out in November 2009 that I am pregnant. I told my boss and the staff before Christmas at our meeting about it and that it will not hinder my abilities. Since then, things have been Um.... different! The owner went and hired another therapist, older and less attractive than me. I was on family holiday for Christmas and when I came back before the new year, the new therapist has had a full schedule. He gave her my busy days of Thurs, Fri & Sat. without even asking me first which days I wanted, and started a $50 massage special for her to offer people to build herself a clientele. She sits around for the $7.50 an hour plus the 30% commission, and hustles guys for free 10 minute massages in order to make herself tips. I've noticed sometimes when the owner isn't there she takes them in the back massage room for longer. So I know she is stealing time right from under the owners nose and getting paid for it. However the owner thinks she can DO NO WRONG! Since she is willing to do more for less money (commission).

I feel totally disrespected and taken advantage of. This situation is not fair at all, and now I feel trapped with no options. I've been a loyal worker of his for a year and all he seems to think he sees is $$$ signs. The salon isn't even big enough for 2 therpists (there's one designated therapy room) and there never was 2 working at the same time. What would u do? And do I have any rights in this situation, since its such an odd employment set-up?

Thanks everyone for your help.
Thanks for the straight forward info.
I realize a business is all about money. I'm no idiot. I did own my own massage biz for a few years, and to tell u the truth I made more back then with a few massages a week then I did working for an him. However, I thought I'd try working for someone who would take care of all the advertising etc. and all I would have to do is show up. Unfortunately, if I'm going to have to hustle that much to build his shitty clientele for the salon, I'd rather do it on my own again. It is really sad that I was not offered the first pick of schedule before he placed another employee on my days, after being so loyal to him. KARMA is a B*TCH and what goes around comes around.

 

[nelawala]

Of course he sees $ signs, hes a business owner.He is not going to lose money to spare feelings.The fact is, for whatever reason, you were not bringing in the client base that he desires.The other chick does (I don't know why you brought her age and looks into it)

Unless you can prove that he is doing this because you are pregnant, you can't do anything about it.I suggest looking for another job.Or, you could start your own massage business which could be a good thing.

 

[LadyCatherine]

it comes down to money,., he is not there to make or keep friends, he is there to make money,, and if she makes him more money, then that is what he is going to go for.. sorry..

so is the new therapist.. she is doing what she can do build clientele.. you could have done what she is doing too you know..

sorry, talk to him about a few things, it might help..