Pregnant Workers Fairness Act

Pregnant Workers Fairness Act

This bill prohibits employment practices that discriminate against making reasonable accommodations for qualified employees affected by pregnancy, childbirth, or related medical conditions. A qualified employee is an employee or applicant who, with or without reasonable accommodation, can perform the essential functions of the position, with specified exceptions.

Specifically, the bill declares that it is an unlawful employment practice to

• fail to make reasonable accommodations to known limitations of such employees unless the accommodation would impose an undue hardship on an entity's business operation;
• require a qualified employee affected by such condition to accept an accommodation other than any reasonable accommodation arrived at through an interactive process;
• deny employment opportunities based on the need of the entity to make such reasonable accommodations to a qualified employee;
• require such employees to take paid or unpaid leave if another reasonable accommodation can be provided; or
• take adverse action in terms, conditions, or privileges of employment against a qualified employee requesting or using such reasonable accommodations.

The bill sets forth enforcement procedures and remedies that cover different types of employees in relation to such unlawful employment practices.

The Equal Employment Opportunity Commission must provide examples of reasonable accommodations that shall be provided to affected employees unless the employer can demonstrate that doing so would impose an undue hardship.

The bill prohibits state immunity under the Eleventh Amendment to the Constitution from an action for a violation of this bill.

The Pregnant Workers Fairness Act, also known as Bill 117 HR 1065, is a piece of legislation currently being considered by the US Congress. The purpose of this bill is to protect the rights of pregnant workers in the workforce by requiring employers to provide reasonable accommodations for pregnant employees.

Under the Pregnant Workers Fairness Act, employers would be required to make accommodations for pregnant workers, such as providing more frequent breaks, allowing for more flexible work schedules, and providing access to a private space for expressing breast milk. Employers would also be prohibited from discriminating against pregnant employees or retaliating against them for requesting accommodations.

The bill aims to ensure that pregnant workers are able to continue working safely and comfortably throughout their pregnancies, without fear of losing their jobs or facing discrimination. It seeks to promote gender equality in the workplace and protect the health and well-being of pregnant employees. Overall, the Pregnant Workers Fairness Act is a crucial piece of legislation that aims to protect the rights of pregnant workers and ensure that they are able to work in a safe and supportive environment during their pregnancies.