Whether you are expecting a child or plan on getting pregnant at some point in the future, it is essential to have a clear understanding of your rights in the workplace, particularly your right to reasonable accommodations from you employer.
The Pregnant Workers Fairness Act, set to take effect in 2023, sets forth additional protections to pregnant women.
What does the Pregnant Workers Fairness Act cover?
The Pregnant Workers Fairness Act offers a number of protections to employees impacted by pregnancy, childbirth and pregnancy-related medical conditions. For example, employers who refuse to offer water breaks, allow pregnant workers to sit down and rest, provide uniforms that fit or allow leave following childbirth, could face penalties. Other potential reasonable accommodations include convenient parking, extra break time and excusing workers from strenuous job duties or work that results in exposure to dangerous chemicals.
Employers must offer these accommodations, so long as the accommodations do not cause undue hardship on the employer.
The Pregnant Workers Fairness Act is scheduled to take effect in June 2023. Starting June 27, the EEOC will accept claims filed under this act on or after this date.