What Workers’ Rights Do You Have When You’re Pregnant?

For decades, it’s been difficult for women to get the same pay as men for doing the same job. Not only that, a woman is also less likely to get hired depending on the cultural environment and work demands. One of the significant reasons for this is that hiring managers are afraid that a woman will get pregnant one day and need to be absent for long periods of time. 

So, what are your rights if this is your situation? This article highlights some of the things you need to know to ensure your rights are protected.

Pregnancy Discrimination Act

Luckily, there is already a law that protects women in the workplace who become pregnant. It is very specific about many of the rights pregnant women have. 

As long as the woman can handle her duties at work, she cannot be fired or have her pay docked in any way. Of course, there is always the option of seeking legal recourse in the event that employers do not abide by the lawyer, see Employment Lawyer in Los Angeles, for example.

If you can’t perform your duties

In a situation where a pregnant woman is not able to perform her job due to her pregnancy, it could either be because the job itself is too physical, such as restaurant work, or because there are complications from the pregnancy that keep her from work. 

The difference is that they can’t be treated any differently to another employee who has to take disability or sick leave. For example, if somebody were to be in a car accident and is injured enough that their job has to be modified to accommodate them, then a pregnant woman should get the same treatment. 

Benefits must be provided even when unmarried

Not all jobs provide fringe benefits, but those that do cannot withhold them because of a pregnant woman’s marital status. What this means is that they are given health insurance or paid disability leave, and they get this no matter what their status is. 

No retaliation

Another frequent violation that arises is when a pregnant woman makes it clear that her rights are being violated by lodging a complaint and is then retaliated against. It’s the threat of retaliation that causes women not to fight for their rights.

This is strictly against the law, and you have a solid case if it happens to you.