If you are pregnant, have been pregnant, or may become pregnant, it is crucial for you to know that you have rights in the workplace. These rights are guaranteed to you under both federal and state laws. Unfortunately, far too many employees do not understand pregnancy rights in the workplace. Many employees end up experiencing a violation of their rights without them even realizing it. In this article, we briefly explain pregnancy rights in the workplace. Contact a qualified employment lawyer near you to learn more about pregnancy rights in the workplace.
Understanding Your Right to Be Free From Discrimination and Your Right to Reasonable Accommodations
According to the law, it is illegal for an employer to discriminate against an employee based on, among other things;
- Whether the employee is pregnant, has been pregnant, or could become pregnant
- Whether the employee has a medical condition that is related to pregnancy or childbirth
Discrimination entails, among other things, the following;
- Being denied a promotion
- Being demoted
- Being fired
- Being forced to take leave or stop working yet you are still able to work
- Being harassed, whether by customers, supervisors, or colleagues
- Being denied reasonable accommodations if other workers with similar limitations are being provided with reasonable accommodations
Pregnancy discrimination laws require that employers provide reasonable accommodations for conditions related to pregnancy or childbirth upon request. There is even a federal law that specifically applies to accommodations. This law is known as the Pregnant Workers Fairness Act (PWFA). The PWFA only allows employers to turn down an employee’s request for reasonable accommodations for a condition related to pregnancy or childbirth if providing the accommodations would place an undue hardship on the employer. Reasonable accommodations include, among others, the following;
- Allowing an employee to do light-duty work
- Providing additional rest breaks
- Allowing an employee to work remotely
- Changing work schedules
- Modifying disability leave as needed
Unfortunately, pregnancy discrimination in the workplace is a big problem. On the bright side, employers can be held responsible if they fail to abide by the law. You can file a discrimination claim against an employer who violates your pregnancy rights in the workplace. If you believe you are experiencing pregnancy discrimination in the workplace, do not hesitate to contact an experienced employment attorney. A skilled employment lawyer can ensure your rights are protected. A qualified attorney can help determine how to proceed to ensure you get the justice you deserve.
Steps to Take if You Face Pregnancy Discrimination at Work
As already mentioned, if you believe you are a victim of pregnancy discrimination in the workplace, you need to contact an experienced employment lawyer. But before you do that, there are other things you should do. The following are some of the steps you should take if you face pregnancy discrimination in the workplace;
- Write down what occurred, ensuring you include details of when and where it occurred
- Note down anyone who may have witnessed what happened
- If it feels safe, report the discriminatory incident(s) to your supervisor or someone in your HR or personnel department
- Ask about your company’s policy for filing complaints and discrimination claims
Contact Us for a Free Case Evaluation
If you believe you have been a victim of pregnancy discrimination in the workplace, contact our skilled and dedicated New Jersey employer lawyer at The Trabosh Law Firm. We offer a free case evaluation.