Hello, and welcome to LegalEase. Today’s topic is about a new statute that became effective on June 27th, 2023, called the Pregnancy Workers Fairness Act.

This statute applies to employers with fifteen or more employees and requires these employers to provide reasonable accommodations to employees who have known limitations related to pregnancy, childbirth, or related medical conditions. It is important to understand that this is not an anti-discrimination statute. The Pregnancy Workers Fairness Act only applies to requests for reasonable accommodation, as there are other state and federal laws that apply to anti-discrimination claims.

Many employers question the types of accommodations they need to provide under this new statute. The reasonable accommodation can include a closer parking spot, release from strenuous activity, a proper fitting uniform, frequent meal and rest breaks, or the ability to sit down during the middle of the day and drink water. The accommodation can relate to anything workers need during pregnancy, childbirth, or while suffering from medical conditions that relate to pregnancy and childbirth.

The EEOC is now accepting charges for claims under the statute, so it is important for employers to understand the statute. It applies to claims that arose as of June 27, 2023. Claims that arose before June 27, 2023 must be filed  under another statute.

If you have any questions about how to respond to this new statute, please give us a call. Our link is in the bio. Thank you for joining LegalEase.