Our Attorneys Hold Employers Accountable For Pregnancy Discrimination
Pregnancy should be celebrated and revered – or at least respected. Yet far too many women suffer discrimination, job loss, harassment and other problems in the workplace simply because someone finds their pregnancy to be an inconvenience.
Pregnancy discrimination can take many forms, and it is important to understand your workplace rights if you are or expect to become pregnant. And if you have already suffered discrimination related to your pregnancy, the attorneys at Maloney O'Laughlin PLLC are ready to help you seek justice and compensation.
Recognize All Forms Of Pregnancy Discrimination
There was a time, not so long ago, when women were expected to resign or be fired when they got pregnant. Thankfully, that kind of blatant discrimination is no longer tolerated. But women still face an uphill struggle throughout their pregnancy and after the birth of their children. Even women of traditional childbearing age face discrimination regardless of whether they plan to have kids.
The Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 contains a provision known as the Pregnancy Discrimination Act. It bans employers from a wide variety of discriminatory behaviors based on pregnancy. Under the law, employers are prohibited from the following actions:
- Asking female job applicants about pregnancy status or pregnancy-related questions that they would not ask other employees
- Requiring employees to notify the company of a pregnancy unless notification serves a legitimate business purpose and will not result in restricted job opportunities for the pregnant employee
- Refusing to hire a pregnant candidate or one who may become pregnant
- Firing a woman for becoming pregnant or planning to become pregnant
- Making adverse promotion or benefits decisions based on pregnancy
- Giving less job protection for women on maternity leave than for employees who take leave for medical or disability reasons
- Preventing women from accruing benefits, pay increases or promotions during pregnancy leave (in ways that differ from employees on leave for other reasons)
- Refusing to honor an accommodation request related to complications from pregnancy
- Requiring notes from the medical providers of pregnant women if they do not require similar notes from other employees with short-term disabilities
The list above is not complete, but it gives you an idea of the far-reaching protections offered in the Pregnancy Discrimination Act. If you do not know whether what happened to you is illegal discrimination, it is a good idea to bring your concerns to an experienced attorney.
Contact Us To Share Your Story
At Maloney O'Laughlin PLLC, we proudly represent workers throughout Washington who have been victims of discrimination, including pregnancy discrimination. To schedule your initial consultation with attorneys who listen and care, call us in Seattle at 206-536-2338 or reach out to us online.