Pregnancy discrimination still happens in many Washington workplaces. If your employer treats you unfairly because you are pregnant, have recently given birth or have a related medical condition, you have the right to take action. Reporting it can help protect you and other workers.
What counts as pregnancy discrimination?
Pregnancy discrimination takes many forms in the workplace. Your employer cannot fire you, refuse to hire you or deny you a promotion simply because you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant. Employers also cannot force you to take leave if you are still able to perform your job duties.
Washington law requires employers to make reasonable workplace changes for pregnancy-related conditions. These changes may include a different schedule, extra breaks or lighter duties. If your employer refuses a reasonable request or punishes you for asking, that may be a sign of discrimination.
Harassment based on pregnancy also violates the law. Comments about your pregnancy, jokes about your work or pressure to quit can create a hostile work environment. You should not have to tolerate this treatment simply because you are expecting a child.
Washington law covers employers with eight or more workers. Federal law usually applies only to employers with 15 or more workers. This means more Washington workers can take legal action than workers in many other states.
Where can you file a complaint in Washington?
Washington gives workers several ways to report pregnancy discrimination. The Washington State Human Rights Commission (WSHRC) handles state-level complaints and enforces Washington’s anti-discrimination laws. You can also file with the federal Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC), which enforces federal pregnancy discrimination protections.
Many workers choose to file with the WSHRC because it understands Washington-specific laws and workplace cultures. The commission’s services are free, and you do not need a lawyer to file a complaint. However, consulting with an employment attorney can help you understand your options and strengthen your case.
Washington law also protects workers who use birth control or fertility treatments. These protections go beyond federal law. The WSHRC also handles complaints involving these protections.
How does the complaint process work?
Start by gathering evidence. Save emails, text messages, performance reviews and other written communications from your employer. Write detailed notes about verbal conversations, including dates, times, locations and witnesses present.
You can file your complaint with the WSHRC online, by phone or by mail. The commission will ask what happened, how it affected you and what evidence you have. Give as much detail as you can and be honest.
After you file, the WSHRC reviews the evidence. It may also interview witnesses and your employer. This process takes time, so patience becomes important. The commission will eventually determine whether reasonable cause exists to believe discrimination occurred.
What is the deadline to report discrimination?
Washington gives you one year from the date of discrimination to file with the WSHRC. This one-year filing deadline exceeds the federal requirement of 300 days, giving Washington workers significantly more time to pursue their claims.
In many cases, you can file a lawsuit without first completing the agency complaint process. Still, many workers choose to use the WSHRC’s free investigation services. Filing promptly helps preserve evidence and demonstrates the seriousness of your concerns.
Protecting yourself and others from inequality in the workplace
If you experience pregnancy discrimination at work, understanding your rights can help you respond with confidence. By keeping records, reporting discrimination and meeting filing deadlines, you can protect your rights and hold your employer responsible. Taking informed action allows you to address unlawful treatment and help create a fairer workplace for yourself and others.