Terminated From Work: Your Rights When You Are Discriminated Against
Workplace discrimination happens all the time, but this does not make it easy to prove. While the Federal Pregnancy Discrimination Act protects you from being discriminated against in the workplace because of a pregnancy, you might find yourself demoted or fired because of discrimination. After announcing a pregnancy, some women suddenly find they are no longer needed at work. Trying to provide workplace pregnancy discrimination is going to take some effort. In many states, you are an employee at will and can be terminated for any reason or no reason at all. If you believe your pregnancy has cost you your job, it's time to meet with a workplace pregnancy discrimination lawyer for a consultation.
File With the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission
Before you file a discrimination claim against your employer, you file a complaint with the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission in the United States. The commission will review your claim and verify that you have the right to sue your employer for discrimination. You receive a right to sue letter if your case is deemed valid, and you can move forward with a workplace pregnancy discrimination lawsuit once the letter is received.
Your Rights as a Pregnant Employee
You are entitled to the same rights as all employees in your company, regardless of your status as a pregnant person. If you can do the work and continue to work while pregnant, you can't be demoted or fired because of your status. If you must be out of work because of your pregnancy, childbirth, or complications because of your pregnancy, you are out of work on short-term disability and treated like anyone else who is temporarily unable to perform their job duties. You do not have to disclose your pregnancy to your employer, and you are to receive the same benefits before, during, and after your pregnancy.
When You Feel Discrimination Occurred
If you are let go from your job or demoted because you have been out due to pregnancy complications, this could be a form of workplace pregnancy discrimination. An attorney can help you work through the issues in your case to figure out what is going on. Your employer may claim a different reason for your demotion, or state that layoffs are happening throughout the company. A letter stating that you have a right to sue works in your favor, and your local workplace discrimination lawyer service will help you get the compensation you deserve.