The Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) is now accepting complaints from workers who feel they have been refused reasonable accommodations in the workplace and discriminated against due to their pregnancies and related medical conditions.
The change is part of the implementation of the Pregnant Workers Fairness Act (PWFA), which was passed by Congress as part of the 2023 Consolidated Appropriations Act and took effect June 27.
This landmark civil rights law requires employers to provide a reasonable accommodation to workers for known limitations related to pregnancy, childbirth, or related medical conditions unless the requested accommodations would pose an undue hardship to the employer, similar to the familiar process in place for workers with disabilities. It ensures that pregnant and postpartum workers are not forced off the job and get the accommodations they need, without facing discrimination or retaliation in the workplace.
AFGE voices our full support for the new law and its implementation.
“This is a major victory for working people and families,” said District 4 National Vice President Anita Autrey, District 5 National Vice President Tatishka Thomas, District 9 National Vice President Diana Hicks, and District 10 National Vice President Cheryl Eliano. “It sends a clear message that we value the health and well-being of all workers and recognize that pregnancy should not be a barrier to equal opportunities at work.”
“The new law ensures that millions of pregnant workers, and those who have recently given birth, can protect their health without risking their paycheck,” said National Vice President for Women and Fair Practices Jeremy Lannan. “It is a major milestone for gender, racial, and economic justice across the country.”
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