Pregnant employees are protected in numerous ways under California law, which prevents discrimination and harassment against an applicant or employee because of pregnancy, childbirth, or pregnancy-related conditions. In fact, employers must provide most pregnant employees with leave of absence protections, such as Family Medical Leave, California Family Rights Act Leave, and Pregnancy Disability Leave. Pregnant employees requiring a special accommodation are also entitled to a good faith interactive process and reasonable accommodation by the employer.
Scenarios that may constitute pregnancy discrimination or harassment include, but are not limited to:
- Being denied time-off for doctor's visits or any other accommodations.
- Being denied promotions or other assignments or even additional hours like overtime because of pregnancy or pregnancy-related conditions.
- Refusing to return an employee to work after pregnancy.
- Comments that pregnant employees or mothers are not as capable or have less time for work than other employees.
- Being denied lactation accommodations.
If you are pregnant or breastfeeding and believe you are being treated unfairly at work, contact our firm for a free consultation.
