Should Employers Provide Pregnant Workers Reasonable Accommodations?

A North Carolina has filed a pregnancy discrimination case after her boss failed to give her shifts following a request for lighter duties. According to the complaint, the 27-year-old certified nursing assistant was instructed by her doctor to stop lifting patients at the nursing home where she worked.

However, instead of getting the lights duties she requested, she was no longer given any work. The woman claims that as a result, she had difficulty paying her bills, including her mortgage and car payment.

This case is similar to Young v. United Parcel Service, which is currently pending before the Supreme Court and could potentially affect millions of working women across the United States. At issue – whether federal anti-discrimination laws provide enough protection during pregnancy, and whether employers must provide work place accommodations for pregnant workers.

Currently, the 1978 Pregnancy Discrimination Act guarantees pregnant employees similar protections as other employees with short-term disability.

The North Carolina woman is seeking back wages and compensation and her complaint with the EEOC is pending.

In 40% of households with children, the mother is the family breadwinner.

For more information about pregnancy discrimination, or if you believe that you have suffered any form of discrimination at work, please contact the dedicated and experienced Atlanta employment discrimination lawyers at Buckley Bala Wilson Mew LLP for an immediate case evaluation.