What Rights Do You Have as a Pregnant Woman in the Workplace?

If you are an expectant mom, you are, no doubt, filled with joy and anticipation over meeting your baby. Unfortunately, some workplaces may not treat you fairly during this time. It’s important to know your rights as a pregnant woman who is working.

It is fair for you to be concerned about how your pregnancy might impact your status in the workplace. However, there are certain protections in place that are meant to protect pregnant employees.

What Protections are in Place During Pregnancy?

The United States Equal Employment Opportunity Commission or EEOC has details that cover protections in place for pregnant women in the workplace. They are set out in the Pregnancy Discrimination Act, which is an amendment to the Civil Rights Act. The law requires employers to allow an expectant mother to continue working as long as she is able to throughout the course of her pregnancy. Additionally, women who miss time off from work due to issues related to their pregnancy are allowed to remain on maternity leave until after they have given birth. Employers are also required to offer temporary disability to pregnant mothers in the same way as they do so for all employees who have a temporarily disabling condition.

While the expectant mother is on maternity leave, the employer is required to hold onto her job until she is able to return to work. These protections are offered in addition to those provided by the Family and Medical Leave Act.

What is a Mother’s Right After She Has Returned?

After the woman has given birth to her baby, she may have certain other special needs once she returns to the workplace. For example, mothers who choose to feed their babies with their own breast milk may need time to pump during her shift. As per the US Department of Labor, the Fair Labor Standards Act makes it a requirement that employers accommodate returning mothers so they can do this for up to one year after giving birth.

If you live in New York and are a new mother who has concerns about protections in the workplace, you need the Law Office of Todd J. Krouner, P.C. on your side.