How do you know if you experienced pregnancy discrimination?

On Behalf of | Sep 16, 2021 | Employment Law

If you feel your boss or supervisor mistreats you due to your pregnancy, he or she may be guilty of discrimination. According to the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission, pregnancy discrimination includes any unfavorable treatment to a person because of pregnancy or childbirth.

Several signs may indicate pregnancy discrimination.

Harassment from supervisors or colleagues

No person can harass you because of your pregnancy, childbirth or any condition related to your pregnancy. While the occasional teasing comment may not be harassment, if it is consistent and hostile, it becomes harassment. If you fear coming to work or experience distress from how your supervisors, colleagues, or another person in the business treats you, this is harassment.

Refusal to accommodate you

During pregnancy, you may be unable to perform your duties. For example, later in the pregnancy, some women cannot be on their feet and should never lift heavy objects. Your employer should provide you light duty, offer you alternative work or allow you to take a disability leave. Pregnant employees deserve the same treatment as any temporarily disabled employee.

Your employer cannot single you out because of the pregnancy. In addition to pregnancy, nursing mothers also have the right to express milk at the workplace.

If your employer fires you, refuses to give you assignments, promotions or benefits due to your pregnancy, he or she may be discriminating against you. The discrimination rule goes for all health conditions associated with pregnancy. For example, if you have gestational diabetes or pregnancy-induced hypertension, you would classify them as pregnancy-related conditions. Your employer has to make accommodations for those conditions too.