My wife has been working at her current employer for 5 years now, and is a little over 6 months pregnant. Her company was just bought out by a competitor, and the competitor is not sure if they will be bringing everyone from my wife's company over when the takeover is complete (May 1st). Also, she used to work for the competitor, and left on good terms (they threw her a going away party) and they actually were interested in hiring her back about 6 months ago, but they suddenly dropped the proceedings (I think because they were thinking about purchasing her current company).

If my wife is not kept by the competitor who is buying her company, what rights does she have? Will that mean she was laid off? Does she gain unemployment insurance? Will she lose her health insurance and disability eligibility? I have no insurance yet, since I just started a new job. So as you can imagine, we're both freaking out. Any help or advice is appreciated...

If my wife is not kept by the competitor who is buying her company, what rights does she have? - as long as it is not because she is pregnanat it is legel to terminate/lay her off.

Will that mean she was laid off? - it means her employment is terminated.

Does she gain unemployment insurance? - she can apply and would likely recieve it.

Will she lose her health insurance and disability eligibility? - She should be given COBRA continuation paper work to choose to continue the coverage by paying the full premiums.

If my wife is not kept by the competitor who is buying her company, what rights does she have? To apply for unemployment benefits.

Will that mean she was laid off? It means she is no longer employed.

Does she gain unemployment insurance? She should apply with the State for UC benefits.

Will she lose her health insurance She will be offered the opportunity to continue her medical insurance under COBRA reg's.

and disability eligibility? Yes, she will lose her disability insurance through the company.

I have no insurance yet, since I just started a new job. So as you can imagine, we're both freaking out. If your wife is terminated and you have not yet become eligible for participation in your new employer's group health plan, you can take COBRA continuation through her employer to fill in the gap.