Pregnant employees can face many risks in the workplace. There are many different issues pregnant employees should be aware of while working, but one of the biggest risks they can face is discrimination.
Pregnancy discrimination is a serious issue and happens quite frequently in Florida. Unfortunately, pregnant employees are not part of any protected group under current law. A proposed law could soon change this.
The proposed law would prohibit employers from discriminating against pregnant employees. It would also prohibit discrimination in restaurants, public accommodations and public lodging against pregnant individuals.
The bill is making its way through the state’s legal system as the Senate Rules Committee unanimously approved the bill. Now, it will move on to the House and Senate and potentially the governor to be signed into law. If the bill is passed and signed into law, pregnant employees would have better protection in the workplace.
Pregnancy discrimination can come in many forms, including not being considered for a promotion, being denied a promotion, being terminated or not being considered for employment.
Pregnant employees have rights in the workplace. If this bill is passed, it will be easier for employees to take legal action against their employees for pregnancy discrimination because they would be part of a protected group under the law.
Discrimination claims can be difficult to pursue. However, if you have been the victim of discrimination in the workplace, you should consider working with an employment attorney to discuss the specifics of your case to determine all of your legal options.
Source: Saint Peters Blog, “Florida Senate panel moves bill to add pregnant women as protected class,” Mitch Perry, April 9, 2015