The state of Texas is diverse and employment laws reflect this. Workers are protected from discrimination on the grounds of protected characteristics like race, religion, gender and disability. Importantly, pregnancy is also a protected characteristic.
Pregnant workers add as much value to a company as any other demographic. Unfortunately, pregnant workers aren’t always treated with the respect they deserve, and they may face discrimination in the following ways.
Failure to adjust the workplace
Pregnant workers are entitled to make requests for reasonable adjustments to the workplace. These are also known as reasonable accommodations. These could include changes that make the workplace safer and more comfortable, such as allowing more flexible working hours. Employers should also be willing to allow pregnant workers time off to attend necessary medical appointments. The only justification for refusing accommodation requests is if they would cause undue hardship to the business.
Not allowing a worker to return
The laws regarding maternity leave are set under the federal Family and Medical Leave Act. Workers are entitled to up to 12 weeks of maternity leave to bond with their child or recover medically. After this, the worker must be offered their old job back or an equivalent role. Not allowing a worker to return after giving birth could potentially be classed as pregnancy discrimination.
Hostile treatment
In many cases, pregnancy discrimination is much more hostile and direct. Pregnant workers may have to endure hurtful comments about the pregnancy and their maternity leave. Hostile treatment based on any protected characteristic is unlawful.
You should not be treated harshly or with less respect due to pregnancy. If you have faced pregnancy discrimination, then it may be time to take a closer look at your legal rights.