Press Releases
Trahan Joins Colleagues To Pass Legislation to Secure Rights of Pregnant Workers
Washington,
May 14, 2021
WASHINGTON, DC – Today, Congresswoman Lori Trahan (MA-03) supported passage of H.R. 1065, the Pregnant Workers’ Fairness Act, a commonsense, bipartisan proposal that finally secures pregnant workers’ right to reasonable accommodations when they’re on the job. “In 2021, workers in nearly half of the states around the country continue to be fired, denied basic accommodations, or denied employment in the first place simply because of their pregnancy. Each day that passes by without the Pregnant Workers Fairness Act becoming law is another day that we fail them and their children,” said Congresswoman Lori Trahan. “As someone who worked full time while pregnant with both of my daughters, I could not imagine having to choose between my job security and a healthy pregnancy. No mother should ever have to make that choice.” The Pregnant Workers Fairness Act would finally secure clear protections for pregnant workers by clearly establishing their right to a “reasonable accommodation” so that no one is forced to choose between financial security and a healthy pregnancy. Specifically, the legislation requires employers with 15 or more employees to make reasonable accommodations for job applicants or employees based on pregnancy, childbirth, or a related medical condition. These reasonable accommodations include simple changes such as providing appropriate seating, water breaks, closer parking, flexible work hours, appropriately sized uniforms and safety apparel, additional break time to use the bathroom, eat, and rest, and excusing pregnant workers from strenuous activities. Under the Pregnant Workers Fairness Act: Private sector employers with more than 15 employees as well as public sector employers must make reasonable accommodations for pregnant workers (employees and job applicants with known limitations related to pregnancy, childbirth, or related medical conditions).
To read the Pregnant Workers Fairness Act fact sheet, click HERE. ### |