Pregnancy discrimination in the workplace is a pervasive problem that affects many women across California. Despite laws in place to protect pregnant workers from discrimination and ensure that they are treated fairly on the job, many employers continue to engage in discriminatory practices, such as refusing to provide reasonable accommodations or denying promotions or job opportunities based on pregnancy.
If you are a pregnant worker who has experienced discrimination on the job, it is important to understand your legal rights and options. Our California pregnancy discrimination lawyers can help you navigate the legal system and fight for your rights as a worker and a mother. At Bridgford, Gleason & Artinian, we’ll fight for the justice you deserve. Contact us today for your free consultation.
What is California Pregnancy Discrimination?
California Pregnancy Discrimination refers to unfair treatment or discrimination against pregnant workers in the workplace. This can take many forms, including denial of reasonable accommodations, such as time off for medical appointments or modifications to work duties, or demotion, termination, or denial of opportunities such as promotions or training, simply because of an employee’s pregnancy. Under California law, it is illegal for employers to discriminate against workers based on pregnancy or related medical conditions, and pregnant workers have the right to reasonable accommodations in order to continue working safely during their pregnancy. If you believe that you have been a victim of pregnancy discrimination in the workplace, reach out to our California employment lawyers for information about your rights and next steps.
Examples of California Pregnancy Discrimination
Some examples of California Pregnancy Discrimination in the workplace include:
- An employer refusing to hire a woman because she is pregnant or may become pregnant in the future.
- A supervisor denying a pregnant employee a promotion or new job opportunity based on her pregnancy.
- An employer failing to provide reasonable accommodations, such as time off for medical appointments, modified work duties, or a temporary transfer to less strenuous work.
- An employer retaliating against a pregnant employee who complains about discrimination or requests reasonable accommodations.
- An employer forcing a pregnant employee to take leave earlier than necessary or denying her the opportunity to return to work after her maternity leave.
Who Can Bring A California Pregnancy Discrimination Claim?
Under California law, pregnant workers, women who have recently given birth, and those who have related medical conditions are all protected from pregnancy discrimination in the workplace. This includes employees who work full-time, part-time, or on a temporary basis, as well as job applicants. Additionally, California law requires employers to provide reasonable accommodations to pregnant workers in order to ensure that they can continue to work safely during their pregnancy. This includes modifications to work duties, time off for medical appointments or conditions related to pregnancy, and temporary transfers to less strenuous work, among other accommodations.
Governing Agencies for California Pregnancy Discrimination
There are several government agencies that enforce California pregnancy discrimination laws, including:
- California Department of Fair Employment and Housing (DFEH): The DFEH is responsible for investigating complaints of pregnancy discrimination in the workplace and enforcing California’s pregnancy discrimination laws.
- Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC): The EEOC is a federal agency that also investigates complaints of pregnancy discrimination in the workplace and enforces federal laws prohibiting such discrimination.
- Division of Labor Standards Enforcement (DLSE): The DLSE enforces California’s pregnancy disability leave law, which requires employers to provide up to four months of leave for pregnancy-related disabilities.
California Pregnancy Discrimination Laws
California has several laws in place to protect employees from pregnancy discrimination in the workplace. Some of these laws include:
- California Fair Employment and Housing Act (FEHA): FEHA prohibits discrimination against employees or job applicants based on pregnancy, childbirth, or related medical conditions. FEHA also requires employers to provide reasonable accommodations to pregnant employees, including time off for medical appointments, modified work duties, and temporary transfers to less strenuous work.
- Pregnancy Disability Leave Law (PDLL): PDLL requires employers to provide up to four months of leave for employees who are disabled by pregnancy or childbirth. This leave is in addition to any other leave that the employee is entitled to under the Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA).
- Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA): FMLA provides up to 12 weeks of unpaid leave for employees who have serious medical conditions, including pregnancy and childbirth. Employers with 50 or more employees are required to comply with FMLA.
- California Paid Family Leave (PFL): PFL provides up to six weeks of partial pay to employees who take time off to care for a new child or a seriously ill family member.
Contact our California Pregnancy Discrimination Lawyer Today
If you believe that you have been a victim of pregnancy discrimination in the workplace, don’t hesitate to contact our California pregnancy discrimination lawyers today. At Bridgford, Gleason & Artinian, we understand the challenges that pregnant employees face in the workplace and are committed to protecting your legal rights. We will help you navigate the complex laws surrounding pregnancy discrimination and fight for the compensation that you deserve. Contact us today to schedule a consultation and learn more about how we can assist you.