When a new position opens up at your company, you might feel that you are a shoo-in due to your qualifications and the great contributions you can make in that role. However, your superior might try to deny you that promotion on the basis that you are pregnant and likely to take time off work when the baby is due.
It goes without saying that denying a woman a promotion because of pregnancy is morally questionable. By learning more about workplace discrimination, you can understand how the law views this act and what you can do about it if it occurs.
Is denial of promotion an example of pregnancy discrimination?
Pregnancy discrimination is a real threat that women should be wary of in the workplace. Washington statutes on pregnancy discrimination define an employer’s refusal to promote a woman because of pregnancy as an unfair practice.
What can you do about pregnancy discrimination?
If you are a victim of pregnancy discrimination in the workplace, you do not have to feel powerless. Your first step should be to keep records and collect testimony that can serve as evidence of discriminatory acts. You can then file a charge of discrimination with the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission.
In the event that an employer passes you over for a promotion, it may not be clear if the decision is a matter of pregnancy discrimination or some other unknowable factor. If you do believe that discrimination is at play, however, you should take action to protect your rights and your career trajectory.