Expecting a baby is a joyful time for any family. However, it is disheartening to know that pregnancy can sometimes lead to unfair treatment in the workplace. Both federal and state laws explicitly state that discrimination based on pregnancy, childbirth, or related medical conditions is illegal. Furthermore, pregnant employees have the right to continue working as long as they can perform their duties. Employers may even be required to hold a pregnant employee’s job open for a specific period if she needs to take pregnancy-related leave.
Discrimination due to pregnancy should never be tolerated. At Strianese Huckert LLP, our team of dedicated pregnancy discrimination lawyers in Charlotte is committed to providing compassionate, client-centered legal representation to employees. If you or someone you know has experienced discrimination at work, we are here to offer our assistance. Schedule a strictly confidential initial consultation with our experienced North Carolina pregnancy discrimination attorney by contacting our Charlotte law office today.
Know Your Rights: Understanding the Pregnancy Discrimination Act
Recognizing the pervasive issue of pregnancy discrimination, congress passed the Pregnancy Discrimination Act in 1978. This important legislation was enacted in response to substantial evidence demonstrating that pregnant women were facing unfair treatment in the workplace.
Under this act, it is illegal to discriminate against an employee based on pregnancy in any aspect of employment, including hiring, firing, pay, job assignments, promotions, layoffs, and benefits like leave and health insurance. If you have been treated unfavorably compared to your colleagues solely because of your pregnancy, your workplace rights have been violated. Waste no time in reaching out to a qualified North Carolina pregnancy discrimination lawyer.
Reasonable Accommodations for Pregnant Employees: Your Rights and Protections
Beyond simply refraining from mistreating pregnant employees, employers have a proactive duty to provide reasonable accommodations to pregnant workers. If a woman is temporarily unable to perform her job due to a pregnancy-related medical condition, the employer must treat her in the same way they would treat any other temporarily disabled employee. This may involve providing light-duty work, alternative assignments, disability leave, or unpaid leave, depending on what is given to other temporarily disabled employees. Additionally, pregnant employees may be protected by other federal laws such as the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and the Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA).
It’s important to note that asserting your rights as a pregnant employee can be complex and overwhelming, especially when you are already dealing with the challenges of pregnancy or caring for a new child. If you have experienced pregnancy discrimination in the workplace or want to learn more about your rights as a pregnant employee, we strongly encourage you to reach out to us for assistance.
Three Steps to Take If You’ve Experienced Pregnancy Discrimination
Unfortunately, despite the existence of laws protecting pregnant employees, discrimination remains a significant problem. According to the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC), around 6,100 charges of job-related pregnancy discrimination are filed each year. However, the actual prevalence is likely much higher, as many victims never file a formal legal claim. If you believe you have been a victim of pregnancy discrimination at work, here are three crucial steps to take:
- Carefully document the incidents of suspected pregnancy discrimination, including a detailed account of what occurred and the names of any witnesses.
- Report the matter to your supervisor or your company’s Human Resources (HR) department.
- Consult with an experienced Charlotte pregnancy discrimination attorney to explore your legal options.
How Our North Carolina Pregnancy Discrimination Lawyers Can Help You
Pregnancy discrimination cases can be incredibly complex. You need a dedicated advocate fighting for your rights. With over four decades of combined employment law experience, our team is fully committed to protecting the rights and interests of employees. You deserve a workplace free from discrimination.
When you contact our Charlotte law office, you will have the opportunity to consult with a compassionate pregnancy discrimination attorney who will:
- Listen attentively to your story, answer any questions you may have, and explain your legal options.
- Thoroughly investigate your employment law claim, gathering evidence to support your case of pregnancy discrimination.
- Develop a customized legal strategy focused on obtaining justice and fair compensation for you.
Every pregnancy discrimination case is unique, with its own set of facts and circumstances. You deserve personalized support from an attorney who will invest time and resources into your case. At Strianese Huckert LLP, our Charlotte pregnancy discrimination attorneys meticulously prepare each claim at every stage of the process.
Contact Our Charlotte Pregnancy Discrimination Attorneys Today
At Strianese Huckert LLP, our dedicated Charlotte pregnancy discrimination lawyers are passionate about representing employees with the utmost attention and professionalism. If you or someone you know has experienced pregnancy discrimination, we are ready and eager to help. Reach out to us now for a fully confidential review of your case. We proudly serve communities throughout the region, including Mecklenburg County, Cabarrus County, Union County, Iredell County, and Gaston County.
Garrity Traina: Your Trusted Partner in Fighting Pregnancy Discrimination.
