Newsreader sues Seven over alleged maternity leave sacking

"We can't wait for you to come back!" presenter Monique Wright said on air.

"Make sure you come back and have another baby," co-host Andrew O'Keefe added, "because that cake looks fantastic."

This exchange could prove crucial in a looming court stoush between Seven West Media and Cummins, who claims she was unfairly dismissed nine weeks into her maternity leave.

Cummins has lodged a claim in the Federal Circuit Court, after a failed mediation attempt before the Fair Work Commission. Her lawyer, John Laxon - who represented sacked 60 Minutes producer Stephen Rice in his battle with Channel Nine - is believed to have served Seven with a legal notice on Tuesday.

This is the latest in a string of disputes between Australia's top-rating network, and female employees who allege they were mistreated.

Seven recently settled with Amy Taeuber, a reporter in its Adelaide newsroom. Taeuber claimed she was unfairly sacked after complaining a male Today Tonight journalist allegedly called her a lesbian, because "one in three women are lesbians [and she] is a triplet".

Meanwhile, Seven continues to fight Amber Harrison, a former executive assistant, in two separate courts. Harrison - who had a relationship with Seven West boss Tim Worner - has engaged high-profile barrister Julian Burnside, QC.

While Harrison has launched a Federal Court action over her dismissal, Seven is suing her in the NSW Supreme Court, which has gagged her from speaking to journalists or posting on social media about the company.

Seven conducted an internal review, announcing its CEO had been cleared of wrongdoing. Harrison branded the results a "whitewash".

Cummins told Fairfax Media: "I never wanted any bad blood with my former employer, and I have tried to settle this matter in a manner that recognises my rights under the law. Unfortunately, we have not been able to reach anything like a reasonable settlement.

"The issue at stake is an important one, not only for me but for many women, as I've observed in practice. Many aren't in a position to defend their workplace rights. I'm in the fortunate position where I can.

"I also have a child now, and I feel it's important to set an example for him about respect for women in the workplace."

Fairfax Media understands Cummins began working as a weekend newsreader on the Saturday and Sunday editions of Weekend Sunrise in 2014, and was paid $1400 per week. This deal was negotiated in a conversation with Worner.

Soon after her first child Oliver was born, she got a call from Seven news chief Craig McPherson. Cummins was also busy promoting an ABC Australian Story episode about her battle with alcoholism.

It is reported that McPherson told her she was no longer under contract, but could return to a weekday 5am newsreading job instead. Fairfax Media understands this was a six-month position, for which she would be paid her existing rate.

It is believed Cummins refused for three reasons: the job was temporary, it required more hours for no extra money, and it would interfere with her family life.

But Seven disputes her allegations.

"Ms Cummins was employed as a casual newsreader at the Seven Network," a spokesman told Fairfax Media.

"She was offered a network newsreader role, with fewer hours and the same pay. [She] was given over two months to determine whether she wanted the new role but decided not to take up the offer.

"Ms Cummins was never dismissed and was never required to work at 2am as contended in the claim.

"It is disappointing Ms Cummins would continue this matter and we will strongly defend our position."