Experienced Gender and Pregnancy Discrimination Attorney in Alabama
It is illegal for an employer to discriminate against an individual based on his or her gender. Gender discrimination means treating an employee less favorably in the workplace that a similarly situated employee of the opposite gender. This treatment can range from different discipline for the same conduct, different opportunities for advancement and promotion, statements or conduct that is demeaning to individuals based on gender, or sexual harassment.
Pregnancy Discrimination
Federal Law protects women against pregnancy discrimination in all aspects of employment, including interviewing, hiring, firing and promoting.
What Are Your Rights During Pregnancy and After Childbirth?
If your pregnancy causes you to need a reasonable accommodation, your employer is required to engage in the interactive process. For example, you can request an accommodation such as assistance in lifting heavier objects, being relieved of the duty to lift such objects or being moved to another position that does not require such lifting. The failure to accommodate a pregnant employee’s request would likely be an act of discrimination.
What Is Pregnancy Discrimination?
Pregnancy discrimination can be based on actual pregnancy, childbirth or medical conditions related to the pregnancy. It is illegal for an employer to discriminate against an employee for any of these pregnancy-related reasons.
Examples of pregnancy discrimination include employers taking the following actions against a pregnant employee:
Firing
Refusing to hire
Asking a female applicant whether she intends to become pregnant
Demoting
Changing job assignments without a valid reason
What Medical Conditions Related to Pregnancy or Childbirth Are Covered?
Pregnant employees may suffer from medical conditions during pregnancy and after childbirth. It is illegal for employers to discriminate against these employees. Examples of medical conditions related to pregnancy or childbirth include:
Back pain
Pre-eclampsia
Gestational diabetes
Conditions that require bed rest
Lactation issues
Contact Us About Your Pregnancy Discrimination Case
If you have experienced pregnancy-related discrimination in the workplace, contact Will Beckum at Beckum Law. The office is located in Birmingham. Call me at 205-588-0699 to arrange a free case evaluation.