Los Angeles Pregnancy Discrimination Attorney

What is Pregnancy Discrimination?

Pregnancy discrimination occurs when an employer treats an employee or applicant unfairly because she is or may become pregnant. It is banned by both federal law and California law, which offers more protection that is federally required.

Under our state’s law, any workplace with more than five employees cannot discriminate on the basis of pregnancy in the areas of hiring, firing, compensation, training or any other aspect of employment. It also extends to childbirth and any medical condition related to pregnancy. Unlike the federal law, California’s protection against pregnancy discrimination also applies to employment agencies, apprenticeship or training programs, and labor organizations.

What if My Pregnancy Interferes with My Job?

Federal law requires employers to treat pregnant employees who cannot perform certain tasks, such as lifting heavy objects, the same way they would treat any other temporarily disabled employee. If an injured employee can be temporarily relieved of a certain duty, then a pregnant employee is entitled to the same treatment. Our state’s law says that employees must transfer pregnant women to a less strenuous position if the women request it. Many employers will try to accommodate pregnant employees if it can help them avoid a transfer.

Can I Take Time Off During My Pregnancy?

Pregnancy can fall under the federal Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA), which says that employers must grant their workers time off for medical issues, although the time off does not need to be paid. In California, however, companies who offer injured workers paid time off must offer the same thing to pregnant employees. Even if you suffer no significant complications during your pregnancy, you are still entitled to six weeks’ leave for medical reasons.

Contact Us

If you or a loved one has faced discrimination due to pregnancy, contact Los Angeles pregnancy discrimination lawyer Perry Smith at 888-356-2529.