What Does Pregnancy Discrimination Look Like in the Workplace?
Many working women and other individuals may experience pregnancy discrimination in the workplace. It is illegal to discriminate against a pregnant employee, but sometimes, it’s difficult to determine if a discriminatory act actually occurred.
What does pregnancy discrimination look like? Read on to find out, then call us at The Leach Firm, P.A., to discuss the specifics of your situation and how we can hold your employer accountable.
Pregnancy Discrimination Is Illegal According to the Pregnancy Discrimination Act of 1978
The Pregnancy Discrimination Act of 1978 protects against pregnancy discrimination. It prohibits discrimination towards pregnant women, women who could become pregnant, or other individuals who may deal with pregnancy-related concerns.
Under this act, your employer must allow you to work as long as you are willing and able, must allow you to take medical leaves, and must provide reasonable accommodations, among other things.
Examples of Pregnancy Discrimination
Some signs of discrimination are obvious. Others aren’t. It’s important to understand what pregnancy discrimination in the workplace looks like so you know when to take action.
Refusing or Terminating Employment Because of a Pregnancy
Say that you’re looking for a job. A potential employer seems interested, but the topic of pregnancy comes up. You admit that you’re expecting, and suddenly, the employer seems to think you’re not a good fit for the job.
Alternatively, say that you’ve been an employee with a company for a while. You become pregnant, and your employer forces you to take time off, citing your health as the reason. Or, maybe they fire you entirely, saying that you can no longer do your job.
An employer cannot refuse you employment — or terminate your employment — because of a pregnancy. If your employer does so, it would fall under pregnancy discrimination, and you should contact an attorney.
Refusing a Promotion or Changing Job Roles
An employer refusing to hire you or firing you aren’t the only job-related issues you could face.
Say before your pregnancy, your employer was considering you for a promotion. After your employer realizes you’re pregnant, however, they pass you over. Alternatively, perhaps your employer forces you to change jobs, citing that it might be easier because of your pregnancy.
Either of these scenarios would fall under discrimination and are grounds for a court case.
Regular Derogatory Remarks
Actively inhibiting your ability to work may be one type of discrimination, but it’s not the only one. Derogatory remarks can lead to an unsafe work environment. If employers constantly talk negatively about pregnant individuals — or pregnancy in general — they can create a hostile work environment for anyone who is pregnant or who could become pregnant.
If You’re Facing Discrimination in the Workplace, Reach Out to a Lawyer Near Pine Hills, FL
You don’t have to be pregnant to face pregnancy discrimination in the workplace. Whether you’re expecting or are considering having a child in the future, you want to feel like you have a safe work environment. If you believe you have a pregnancy discrimination case, call The Leach Firm, P.A. at 844-722-7567 and request a free case evaluation.