Making Sure the Law Is On Your Side

Pregnancy is supposed to be a joyous time in your life. Unfortunately, it can be anything but joyous if your employer has used this time to discriminate against you. Unfortunately, many new parents don't realize that they're being discriminated against. If they do know that they're being discriminated against, they may not realize that they have legal options at their disposal. If you feel that you've been discriminated against during your pregnancy, you need to speak to an employment attorney as soon as possible. If you're not sure you've been discriminated against, take a look at the list provided below. If any of those situations seem familiar, it's time to seek legal counsel.

You Missed Promotion Opportunities

If you were in line for a promotion, but you missed the opportunity due to your pregnancy, it's time to speak to an attorney. This is particularly true if they postponed the announcement of promotional opportunities until you were out on maternity leave. Passing you over for promotions, or waiting until you were out on maternity leave to begin promotions, is a form of discrimination. You need to speak to an attorney.

Your Pregnancy Reflects on Your Work History

If your pregnancy reflects on your work history, you might need the assistance of an employment attorney. Your work history, especially your absence record, should not reflect your pregnancy. Unfortunately, many employers discriminate against their pregnant workers by listing pregnancy-related absences on their work history. When this happens, it can make it look like an employee has a problem with absenteeism when they're merely taking care of a protected medical condition. If your employer is placing your pregnancy-related absences on your work history, you need legal representation.

Your Employer Isn't Making Necessary Accommodations

If your employer has refused to make necessary accommodations for you, either during your pregnancy or upon your return from maternity leave, you could be the victim of workplace discrimination. You have the right to a place to rest within the workplace while you're pregnant. You also have the right to use that space to either breastfeed or pump while you're at work. Failure to provide you with those facilities may be a form of discrimination. You'll need to speak to an attorney.

You Were Required to Return to Work Before Your Allotted Time

If your employer began hounding you to return to work as soon as your baby was delivered, and you were required to return to work early, it's time to talk to an attorney. The law provides you with a specific amount of time to recover from childbirth. Your employer cannot legally force you to return early, nor can they contact you each day while you're out on maternity leave.

If you're pregnant, or have recently given birth, don't become the victim of workplace discrimination. If any of the items listed above have happened to you, contact an employment attorney like the Law Office of Faye Riva Cohen, P.C. near you.