Pregnancy Discrimination in San Francisco
Pregnancy discrimination in the workplace
Discrimination on the basis of pregnancy, childbirth, or related medical issues has been illegal since 1978 when the Pregnancy Discrimination Act was passed. Women who are pregnant or affected by pregnancy-related conditions must be treated in the same manner as other applicants or employees with similar abilities or limitations. The Act prohibits pregnancy discrimination in:
- Hiring
- Pregnancy and maternity leave
- Health insurance
- Fringe benefits
The Pregnancy Discrimination Act
The Pregnancy Discrimination Act specifies the following:
- An employer cannot refuse to hire you because you are pregnant if you can perform the major functions of the job. An employer must treat a pregnant woman who is temporarily unable to do her job due to her pregnancy the same as it would treat any temporarily disabled employee. That includes calculating:
- Seniority
- Vacation time
- Pay increases
- Temporary disability payments
- Your employer must allow you to work for as long into your pregnancy as you are able to do your job
- Your employer must hold open a job during your pregnancy related absence for the same length of time as it would for an employee on sick or disability leave
- If your employer offers health insurance to employees, that insurance must provide pregnancy-related coverage on the same basis as other medical conditions
- If an employer provides health benefits to employee spouses, they must provide the same level of health benefits to spouses regardless of gender
- An employer cannot limit pregnancy related benefits to married employees
Employers that are regulated by the Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA), may be required to allow you time off for a pregnancy related condition or for the care of your newborn. FMLA applies to:
- State employees
- Federal employees
- Private companies with 50 or more employees
Regulations for smaller companies tend to be enacted at the state and local level, so if you are facing pregnancy discrimination in San Francisco and the Bay Area, it is important that you retain a pregnancy discrimination lawyer in San Francisco.
An experienced ally against pregnancy discrimination in San Francisco
When a client facing pregnancy discrimination in San Francisco comes to the Law Office of Pamela Pitt, we work hard to take some of the burden off of her shoulders. San Francisco discrimination lawyer Pamela Pitt and her staff will listen closely to understand the precise nature of your issue, and offer compassionate, personalized representation.
If you have been discriminated against due to pregnancy, contact our office today.
Pregnancy discrimination attorney Pamela Pitt is a steadfast ally who will fight for your rights and never give up. If you feel that you have been the victim of pregnancy discrimination in San Francisco or anywhere in the Bay Area, contact us today for a free and confidential consultation.
