Sacramento Pregnancy Discrimination Attorneys

Protecting Mothers-to-Be in the Workplace

At Polaris Law Group, we understand the challenges that pregnant employees face in the workplace. Unfortunately, pregnancy discrimination is still a significant issue for many workers, despite the legal protections in place. Our Sacramento pregnancy discrimination lawyers are here to help if you believe you’ve been treated unfairly at work due to pregnancy, childbirth, or related medical conditions. We fight to ensure that employees are treated fairly and have the opportunity to pursue their careers without fear of retaliation or discrimination.

If you have been discriminated against because of your pregnancy and wish to schedule a consultation, contact our pregnancy discrimination lawyers online or by calling our firm's dedicated team at (888) 796-4010.

What is Pregnancy Discrimination?

Pregnancy discrimination occurs when an employer treats an employee or job applicant unfavorably due to pregnancy, childbirth, or any medical condition related to pregnancy. This type of discrimination can manifest in various ways, from being denied a promotion or pay raise to being fired or demoted. Employers may also refuse to provide necessary accommodations for pregnant employees or subject them to unfair treatment based on assumptions about their ability to work during pregnancy or after childbirth.

Pregnancy discrimination violates both state and federal laws, and employees have the right to pursue legal action against employers who engage in this unlawful behavior.

Common Examples of Pregnancy Discrimination

Pregnancy discrimination can occur in many forms, some of which may be subtle or difficult to identify. Here are some common examples of pregnancy discrimination in the workplace:

• Refusal to Hire: Employers cannot refuse to hire someone because they are pregnant or may become pregnant. If you are qualified for the job, your pregnancy should not be a factor in the hiring decision.
• Demotion or Termination: Employers may not demote or fire an employee because they are pregnant or planning to take maternity leave. If an employer takes such actions based on pregnancy-related reasons, it is considered discrimination.
• Denial of Reasonable Accommodations: Pregnant employees may need certain accommodations to perform their job duties, such as lighter workloads or additional breaks. Employers are required to provide reasonable accommodations unless it would cause undue hardship.
• Forced Leave: Some employers may attempt to force pregnant employees to take leave or reduce their hours, even if the employee is capable of performing their job. This is considered discriminatory unless the employee is medically unable to continue working.
• Pay Disparities: Pregnant employees should not experience pay cuts or be denied raises or bonuses due to their pregnancy. Any discrepancies in pay based on pregnancy are considered discriminatory.
• Hostile Work Environment: Employers or coworkers may subject pregnant employees to harassment or create a hostile work environment based on their pregnancy. This includes offensive comments, jokes, or negative treatment related to the employee's condition.

State & Federal Pregnancy Discrimination Protections

Pregnant employees are protected by both state and federal laws. These laws are designed to ensure that employers treat pregnant workers fairly and do not discriminate against them based on pregnancy-related conditions. Below are some of the key protections available to employees in California and under federal law.

The Pregnancy Discrimination Act (PDA)

The Pregnancy Discrimination Act is a federal law that prohibits discrimination based on pregnancy, childbirth, or related medical conditions. Under the PDA, employers cannot treat pregnant employees differently from other employees with similar abilities or medical conditions. The PDA applies to employers with 15 or more employees.

Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA)

The FMLA is a federal law that allows eligible employees to take up to 12 weeks of unpaid, job-protected leave for the birth of a child, adoption, or serious medical conditions, including pregnancy. Employees who qualify under the FMLA can use this leave to recover from childbirth, bond with their newborn, or care for a medical condition related to pregnancy without the risk of losing their job.

California Fair Employment and Housing Act (FEHA)

In California, the FEHA provides stronger protections for pregnant employees. The law prohibits discrimination based on pregnancy and requires employers to make reasonable accommodations for pregnant workers, including modifications to job duties, reassignment, or the provision of time off.

California Pregnancy Disability Leave (PDL)

California’s Pregnancy Disability Leave law allows employees to take up to four months of job-protected leave for pregnancy, childbirth, or related medical conditions. This leave is available regardless of how long the employee has worked for the employer and applies to businesses with five or more employees.

How Our Team Can Help

At Polaris Law Group, we are dedicated to protecting the rights of employees who have been wronged by their employers. Our experienced Sacramento pregnancy discrimination lawyers will work tirelessly to ensure that your case is handled with the care and attention it deserves. We can help you seek compensation for lost wages, emotional distress, and other damages you may have suffered due to pregnancy discrimination.

Call (888) 796-4010 or contact us online today to let our firm help you get the justice you deserve.