Being pregnant or pregnant-to-be should be something great and not a cause of anxiety for people at work. Many women, however, tend to face unfair treatment at work once they declare that they are pregnant. Such discrimination is not only wrongful but also illegal since it goes against statutory law.
Being an expecting mother, you should work in a friendly environment. The legal rights will familiarize you with the right to protect yourself and your baby at this particular moment of your life.
Let us first see what pregnancy discrimination is all about and, more importantly, what could be done regarding the matter.
And if you find you are being discriminated against at work for being pregnant, you have all the right to seek Legal Help for Connecticut Employees from an experienced lawyer.
What is Pregnancy Discrimination Legally?
It refers to the wrongful treatment of women by an employer for the reason that the woman is pregnant, recently delivered, or suffers from medical conditions associated with the pregnancy. That, again, is yet another form of gender discrimination.
Pregnancy Discrimination Act strictly states to treat pregnant women like any other employee. This ranges from hiring and promotion rights to their health benefits and time off. Additionally, the law applies to companies that have 15 or more employees.
Types of Pregnancy Discrimination At Work
Denial of Accommodations
When employers refuse to provide basic needs like extra bathroom breaks, a place to sit, or modified duties for pregnant workers. Some bosses claim these changes are “too difficult” or “expensive,” even though the law requires reasonable accommodations to help pregnant employees work safely.
Forcing Early Leave
Some companies pressure pregnant women to start their maternity leave before they’re ready. They might claim it’s “for your own good” or makeup excuses about safety. This practice is illegal when it is against the woman’s wishes and her doctor has not recommended it.
Hiring and Promotion Discrimination
Employers might skip over qualified pregnant candidates for jobs or promotions. They sometimes assume pregnant women or new mothers would not be fully committed to work. Some even ask illegal questions about pregnancy plans during interviews.
Harassment and Hostile Work Environment
This might be making a light, off-color comment about pregnancy, excluding the pregnant workers from meetings or events, assigning them hard work to “prove” that they cannot manage the job, or pressuring them about plans to return after giving birth.
Return-to-Work Discrimination
Some women face problems when trying to return to work after giving birth. They may find that someone else is filling their position, that they have been demoted, or they are being treated unfairly in some other way.
What To Do If You Are Being Subjected to Pregnancy Discrimination At Work?
First, document everything. Write down dates, times, and details of any unfair treatment. Save emails, messages, and any other proof you might need later. This creates a clear record of what’s happening.
Tell your HR department about the problem in writing. Most firms have procedures whereby complaints of discrimination can be made. Procedures like this help preserve your rights but also give the employer the opportunity to address the situation.
You may continue on your job path. Request accommodations in writing, and get a doctor’s note if you need one. Keep your professionalism on a level far above that of those around you.
Speak to a Lawyer!
If your company is not addressing the discrimination, it is time to talk to an employment lawyer. They can explain your rights and help you decide what to do next. Many offer free initial consultations.
A lawyer can guide you through filing a complaint with the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) or taking legal action. Do not wait too long as there are time limits for filing discrimination claims.