Some employers avoid hiring pregnant women because they fear they will need time off from work and/or their schedule will not be flexible enough to accommodate their workload. Usually, an employer will discriminate against a pregnant employee after she reports a pregnancy. The following will provide some examples of pregnancy discrimination and retaliation in the workplace:
UNWARRANTED DISCIPLINE
An employer will often issue fabricated write-ups and performance evaluations to an employee after she reports a pregnancy. If you had a perfect performance record prior to reporting your pregnancy, but now you are subject to multiple write-ups and oral discipline, these actions are evidence of pregnancy discrimination and retaliation. Make sure to document any instances of unwarranted discipline. If you decide to consult with a pregnancy discrimination lawyer in Los Angeles at a later date, you will be armed with documentary evidence.
FAILURE TO PROVIDE A PAY RAISE, DEMOTION, AND/OR TERMINATION
If you have been scheduled for a raise, but your employer decides not to issue the raise after you report a pregnancy, than your employer may be liable for pregnancy discrimination. Alternatively, if your employer takes away much of your duties and work responsibilities after you report a pregnancy, than you may have been subject to an unlawful demotion. Finally, if your employer terminates you for false reasons immediately after you report a pregnancy, then you may have suffered wrongful termination. Terminations and/or demotions constitute adverse actions under disability law and are prohibited.
FAILURE TO ACCOMMODATE YOUR PREGNANCY RELATED DISABILITY
Pregnant women sometimes suffer pregnancy related medical conditions. It is common for women to suffer pregnancy related diabetes, morning sickness, anemia, and/or excessive bleeding. For example, if you requested a change in your schedule to allow you to arrive an hour later because of your morning sickness, and your employer denies your request without discussing the matter, your employer may be liable for failure to accommodate your pregnancy related disability.
CONTACT A PREGNANCY DISCRIMINATION LAWYER IN LOS ANGELES
Employers often think they can exploit a female employee during her pregnancy. Some employees feel vulnerable because of the pressures applied to them at work on top of the stress they are suffering because of pregnancy related medical conditions. However, pregnant women are not alone when dealing with an unscrupulous employer.
A skilled pregnancy discrimination lawyer in Los Angeles can stop the discrimination or sue your employer to recover damages for emotional distress, lost wages, and other damages suffered as a result of being subjected to pregnancy discrimination in the workplace.
