Pregnancy discrimination at work occurs when an employer treats an employee unfairly because of pregnancy, childbirth, or related health conditions.
Laws like the Pregnancy Discrimination Act (PDA) protect workers from this type of treatment. Employers must treat pregnancy-related issues like any other temporary disability.
If you believe you experienced discrimination at work due to pregnancy, you can consult a Boston pregnancy discrimination lawyer from our firm to learn about your legal options during a free consultation.
How Does Pregnancy Discrimination Occur at Work?
Employees can experience pregnancy discrimination in the workplace in various ways. It often involves treating pregnant employees or those intending to become pregnant differently from other workers.
All of the below constitute pregnancy discrimination at work:
Firing or Demoting Someone Because They Are Pregnant
If an employer fires a worker or moves them to a lower position just because they’re pregnant, this is discrimination. Pregnancy should not affect someone’s job status.
Refusing to Hire or Promote a Person Due to Pregnancy
Employers cannot turn someone down for a job or a promotion due to pregnancy. Being pregnant or wanting to get pregnant should not stop a person from advancing in their career.
Denying Reasonable Accommodations, Like More Breaks or Lighter Duties
Pregnant workers may need extra breaks or less physically demanding tasks. If an employer refuses to offer these reasonable accommodations, it could be discriminatory.
Cutting Work Hours or Income Because of Pregnancy
Employers cannot reduce someone’s working work schedule or wages just because they are pregnant. A pregnancy should not affect the amount of time or money an employee is given for their work.
Harassing or Making Negative Comments About Someone’s Pregnancy
Making rude or hurtful comments to a pregnant employee or creating a hostile environment because of their pregnancy is harassment and is not allowed.
Pregnancy discrimination at work can also show up in other ways, such as:
- Excluding employees who express interest in starting a family
- Excluding pregnant employees from projects or opportunities
- Forcing a pregnant worker to take unpaid leave
- Offering pregnant workers unequal benefits
- Failing to rehire after a worker takes maternity leave
- Giving negative performance reviews due to pregnancy
- Retaliating against a worker for taking leave
For a free legal consultation, call (860) 999-9394
How an Employment Discrimination Attorney Can Help Your Case
Our Boston employment discrimination lawyer can protect your rights and guide you through the legal process, which includes:
- Providing legal advice: We can explain the protections offered by the Pregnancy Discrimination Act (PDA) of 1978 and maternity and paternity leave laws in Massachusetts.
- Reviewing your case: We can determine if you have a valid pregnancy discrimination claim and advise you on what to expect.
- Gathering and organizing evidence: The evidence in your case may include emails, performance reviews, and witness statements, among other records.
- Filing complaints or lawsuits: We can file a formal complaint with the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) or a lawsuit if necessary.
- Advocating for your fair award: We can seek recoverable losses for the discrimination you endured.
- Negotiating a settlement: Our team can work with your employer or their legal team to try to resolve the issue through a fair settlement.
- Leading your court case: If a settlement isn’t possible, we can represent you in court and present your case to a judge or jury.
Available Losses in Workplace Pregnancy Discrimination Cases
If you have faced pregnancy discrimination while at work, you may be able to recover:
- Lost income: Compensation for any pay you missed due to wrongful termination, demotion, or fewer hours due to pregnancy discrimination.
- Back pay: Wages you would have earned if you had not been discriminated against, including missed raises or promotions.
- Front pay: Future wages if you cannot return to your job and need money to cover lost income until you find another job.
- Emotional distress: Payment for the mental and emotional effects you experienced from unlawful treatment, such as anxiety or post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).
These and other damages are designed to help you manage experiencing pregnancy bias in the office.
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What to Do if You Face Pregnancy Bias in the Workplace
If you believe you experienced unfair or unequal treatment because of pregnancy or a condition related to pregnancy, you can take these steps to help establish a discrimination claim:
- Note everything: Keep records of any incidents, including dates, times, and details of what happened. Document emails, texts, or written communication related to the discrimination.
- Tell Human Resources (HR): Notify your employer or HR department about the discrimination. Many companies have procedures in place to handle these complaints.
- Request reasonable accommodations: If you need accommodations due to your pregnancy, make a formal request in writing, and keep copies of all communication.
- File a complaint with the EEOC: If your employer doesn’t resolve the issue, you can file a complaint with the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC). They handle discrimination claims and may investigate your case.
- Consult a lawyer: Contact a pregnancy discrimination lawyer to discuss your case, understand your legal rights, and get help gathering evidence and filing a claim.
- Consider legal action: If the situation doesn’t improve or you face retaliation, your lawyer can help you prove workplace discrimination and file a lawsuit for your damages. Our Boston retaliation lawyer can also advise you on your next steps.
Taking these steps can protect your rights and hold your employer accountable for any unfair treatment you face during pregnancy.
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Call Today if You Experienced Pregnancy Discrimination at Work
If you’ve experienced pregnancy discrimination at work, you can consider your legal options. Duddy, Goodwin & Pollard will fight for you. Our social-justice-motivated law firm works hard to hold corporations accountable for wrongdoing and unlawful practices.
Contact us today to discuss your case and learn how we can support you in protecting your rights and your future.
Call or text (860) 999-9394 or complete a Free Case Evaluation form