Pregnant Workers Fairness Act
Good news for all the moms-to-be out there! Have you heard about the Pregnant Workers Fairness Act (PWFA)? It’s a law that makes it easier for pregnant workers to get the accommodations they need to do their jobs. It was passed in 2023 and went into effect in June 2023.
Before the PWFA, pregnant workers had to prove that they were being treated differently than other employees in order to get appropriate arrangements. This was often difficult to do, and many pregnant workers were denied the support they needed and deserved.
The PWFA requires employers to make reasonable accommodations to the known limitations of pregnant employees unless this would cause an undue hardship for the employer.
Some examples of reasonable accommodations that employers may be required to provide include:
Allowing a pregnant worker to take breaks when needed.
Allowing a pregnant worker to work from home if her doctor recommends it.
Providing a pregnant worker with a stool or other ergonomic equipment to help her stay comfortable at work.
Reassigning a pregnant worker to a different job if her current job is too physically demanding.
Here are some additional things to know about the PWFA:
The PWFA applies to all employers with 15 or more employees.
The PWFA does not require employers to provide accommodations that would create an undue hardship for the employer.
Employees who believe that they have been discriminated against because of their pregnancy can file a complaint with the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC).
The PWFA is a new law, and it is still being interpreted by the courts. However, it’s an important and exciting step forward in protecting the rights of pregnant workers! If you’re pregnant and need accommodations at work, you should talk to your employer about the PWFA.