Pregnancy should be a time of joy and anticipation, not fear or mistreatment at work. Unfortunately, some employers or coworkers may treat pregnant employees differently, creating a hostile or uncomfortable environment. In California, pregnancy harassment is not only inappropriate, it is illegal.
At Leichter Law Firm, APC, employees receive trusted guidance and strong legal representation when pregnancy-related mistreatment becomes harassment in the workplace.
Understanding What Qualifies as Pregnancy Harassment
Pregnancy harassment occurs when an employee is subjected to offensive, demeaning, or unwelcome treatment because they are pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or have recently given birth. This mistreatment can come from a supervisor, coworker, or even a third party, such as a client or vendor. While one offhand comment may not meet the legal threshold, repeated or severe conduct can rise to the level of unlawful harassment.
Examples of pregnancy harassment include:
- Jokes or comments about a pregnant employee’s appearance or abilities.
- Pressure to take early leave or reduce hours.
- Refusing to assign meaningful work based on pregnancy status.
- Unwanted remarks about parenting choices or future performance.
- Creating or allowing a hostile environment that targets pregnant employees.
If this conduct interferes with an employee’s ability to do their job or creates an intimidating or offensive atmosphere, it may be grounds for a legal claim.
California Laws Protecting Pregnant Employees
Pregnant employees in California are protected under both state and federal laws. The California Fair Employment and Housing Act (FEHA) explicitly prohibits harassment and discrimination based on pregnancy, childbirth, or related medical conditions. The law applies to employers with five or more employees and also requires employers to provide reasonable accommodations to pregnant workers.
Federal protections also exist under the Pregnancy Discrimination Act, which is part of the Civil Rights Act of 1964. This law prohibits employers from making decisions based on pregnancy when it comes to hiring, firing, promotions, or job assignments.
Both laws recognize that workplace harassment based on pregnancy is a form of sex discrimination and must be taken seriously.
What to Do if You Experience Pregnancy Harassment
If a pregnant employee believes they are being harassed, it is vital to take action as early as possible. The first step is often to report the behavior to a supervisor or the human resources department. Employers have a legal obligation to investigate and address complaints of harassment.
It is also essential to document the behavior. This includes keeping a record of offensive comments, actions, dates, and any witnesses. Written communications, such as emails or texts, can also support the claim.
If the harassment continues or if the employer fails to take appropriate action, the next step may be filing a complaint with the California Civil Rights Department or the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission. An experienced employment law attorney can help guide this process and take legal action if necessary.
How Leichter Law Firm Can Help
Los Angeles employment law attorney Aryeh Leichter is dedicated to safeguarding the rights of pregnant employees throughout California. His firm understands how emotionally and professionally damaging pregnancy harassment can be, and provides strong legal support to hold employers accountable. Whether through negotiation or litigation, the goal is always to stop the harassment and secure compensation when appropriate.
If you have experienced harassment related to pregnancy in the workplace, contact Leichter Law Firm, APC at (818) 915-6624 or online for a free and confidential consultation. Your rights deserve to be protected.