Pregnant Employee Rights in Workplace
Pregnancy can be challenging, but there are laws in place to shield you while on the job. According to the best employment law firms, the pregnancy discrimination Act (PDA) provides a shield for expectant workers by describing pregnancy discrimination and laying out the rights of pregnant workers. Knowing your rights protects you from unfair discrimination.
Here are the Rights of a Pregnant Employee-
No employer can fire an employee for becoming pregnant. Some employers may have policies to lay off pregnant workers due to concerns about baby safety. But still, it considers being a form of pregnancy discrimination. Every decision about the employees' work and their baby's safety is the business of an employee of their doctor.
An employer cannot deny employing a worker because they are pregnant or may become expected. Passing over an eligible candidate due to their pregnancy being present or future is illegal. However, it is not prevalent.
Breastfeeding employees have the right to fine breaks for feeding their infants. There should be a private place to pump breastmilk and accessible as required. In some organizations, pregnancy may entitle pregnant workers to some specific accommodations. Employers cannot force you to change jobs or take maternity leave off when you can proceed with your job. It includes preventing business trips, reassigning workers temporarily due to their status, and delaying promotions.
Regardless of gender, non-medical leave must be available to all employees. If the firm has the policy to offer either maternity leave before baby delivery or after delivery, it must be equal for both genders. For instance, if any employee's wife is pregnant. Her husband works in a firm can take leave whenever needed.
Harassment, including your childbirth, pregnancy, or relevant conditions, is illegal. Inappropriate or repeated remarks about a pregnant employee are unacceptable. You cannot be fired to choose to have an abortion or consider it. A ground of termination can never be your private medical business.
Knowing about pregnancy discrimination laws can help you work in the office during your nine months. No one can harass or force you for anything. If you ever so, you can get in touch with Shegerian Conniff, a law attorney! They are committed to protecting your rights as an employee.