310-776-3590
At Mehtani Law Offices, P.C., our Beverly Hills employment law attorneys explain to our clients that the Pregnant Workers Fairness Act (PWFA) is a new law that requires covered employers in California to provide “reasonable accommodations” to a worker’s known limitations related to pregnancy, childbirth, or related medical conditions unless the accommodation will cause the employer an “undue hardship.”
The PWFA applies only to accommodations. Existing laws that the EEOC enforces make it illegal to fire or otherwise discriminate against workers based on pregnancy, childbirth, or related medical conditions.
The PWFA is designed to work with other leave laws, such as the California Family Rights Act (CFRA) and the federal Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA), to provide comprehensive protection for pregnant workers.
The law aims to ensure that pregnant employees have equal opportunities in the workplace and are not subjected to adverse actions based on their pregnancy or related conditions.
Who Does the PWFA Protect?
The PWFA protects employees and applicants of “covered employers” with known limitations related to pregnancy, childbirth, or related medical conditions.
”Covered employers” include private and public sector employers with at least 15 employees, Congress, Federal agencies, employment agencies, and labor organizations.
What Does the PWFA Prohibit?
Covered California employers cannot:
- Require an employee to accept an accommodation without discussing the accommodation between the worker and the employer.
- Deny a job or other opportunities to a qualified employee or applicant based on the person’s need for reasonable accommodation.
- Require an employee to take leave if another reasonable accommodation can be provided to keep the employee working.
- Retaliate against an individual for reporting or opposing unlawful discrimination under the PWFA or participating in a PWFA proceeding (such as an investigation).
- Interfere with any individual’s rights under the PWFA.
Contact Our Skilled Employment Lawyers Today
If you believe your California workplace rights have been violated, including PWFA laws, contact our skilled employment lawyers in Los Angeles County at (310)-776-3590 at Mehtani Law Offices to schedule a free consultation today to discuss your unique circumstances with a law firm that can help pursue real results for your case.