Aryeh Leichter, the Los Angeles employment law attorney at the Leichter Law Firm, APC, believes all California employees should understand their legal workplace rights so they know when their employer is violating them and can pursue a legal remedy that enforces those rights.
While important for all California employees, pregnant employees may have expanded rights under the Pregnant Workers Fairness Act (PWFA). PWFA is a federal doctrine that may be more restrictive than California state or local laws. Here is what that means for pregnant working women throughout the state and their rights to certain accommodations.
What Types of Reasonable Accommodations are Listed in the PWFA?
Although already in effect, the PWFA requires reasonable accommodations for employees and applicants of covered employers — with 15 or more employees — who have known limitations related to pregnancy, childbirth, or related medical conditions.
The House Committee on Education and Labor Report on the PWFA provides several examples of reasonable accommodations.
Although not an exhaustive list, some pertinent examples include allowing employees covered by the PWFA to:
- Being excused from strenuous activities or activities that involve exposure to compounds not safe for pregnancy.
- Having flexible hours.
- Receiving additional break time to use the bathroom, eat, and rest.
- Receiving appropriately sized uniforms and safety apparel.
- Receiving closer parking.
- Having a place to sit or drink water.
- Taking leave or time off to recover from childbirth.
Contact Our Employment Law Attorney for Help Today
If you believe your California employer is unlawfully refusing to provide reasonable accommodations during your pregnancy, contact Aryeh Leichter, the Leichter Law Firm, APC founder, and employment law attorney in Los Angeles County today to discuss the legal remedies that may be available for your unique workplace circumstances, starting with a free consultation by calling (818)-915-6624 or contacting the firm online.