Pregnancy is a miraculous, exciting experience for most families. However, for working mothers-to-be in Orange County and throughout California, this joyous time can also bring a unique set of challenges and concerns.
At Elite Employment Law, we understand the toll pregnancy discrimination can take on an employee’s well-being, family life, and professional career. Our experienced employment law attorney in Orange County exclusively represent employees to protect their rights and seek justice for wrongdoing in the workplace.
Let us help if you are experiencing pregnancy discrimination at your job.
Why Choose Our Orange County Pregnancy Discrimination Lawyer
Pregnancy should be a time of joy and anticipation, not stress and uncertainty about your job security. At Elite Employment Law, we focus our entire practice on protecting the rights of employees.
We fight to ensure every California worker is treated with dignity and respect and that they receive all the benefits and protections they are entitled to. We know how to negotiate with employers to achieve our client’s goals. And, when negotiation does not work, we know how to litigate and win to successfully protect our client’s rights.
When you schedule a confidential consultation with us, we will listen to your story, answer your questions, and help you determine your best options. Every client and every case is unique. We do not use cookie-cutter strategies. We customize an individual legal strategy for each of our clients.
California Pregnancy Protection Laws
California stands out as a beacon of progressive employment law, offering expectant mothers more comprehensive protections than most other states. While federal laws like Title VII and the Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA) provide a baseline of protection, California goes above and beyond with its own set of laws for protecting the rights of pregnant employees. These state laws include:
- California Pregnancy Disability Leave Law (PDL). This law protects pregnant employees, regardless of how long they have been with their current employer.
- California Family Rights Act (CFRA). Building upon federal FMLA provisions, CFRA extends additional rights to new parents for bonding time with their newborns.
Pregnancy Disability Leave
As an expectant mother working in California, it is important to understand the type and extent of protections offered by state and federal laws.
Under the California Pregnancy Disability Leave Law, you are entitled to several important protections:
- Unpaid LeaveUnder PDL, you’re entitled to up to four months of unpaid leave for pregnancy-related conditions. This includes:
- Time off for prenatal care and doctor appointments
- Leave for severe morning sickness
- Postpartum recovery time
- Leave for pregnancy-related medical conditions
This leave is available from day one of your employment, so even newly hired employees are protected.
- Reasonable AccommodationsYou are also entitled to reasonable accommodations under PDL. Your employer must provide reasonable accommodations to help you perform your job safely during pregnancy. These may include:
- Modified work duties
- Ergonomic adjustments to your workstation
- More frequent breaks
- Temporary transfers to less strenuous positions
Continuation of Health Benefits
If your employer provides health insurance, they must continue your coverage during your pregnancy disability leave as if you were still working.
- Right to ReinstatementUpon your return from pregnancy leave, you have the right to be reinstated to your original job or a comparable position, with some limited exceptions.
- Protection Against Discrimination and HarassmentIt’s illegal for employers to discriminate against you because of your pregnancy. This includes protection against:
- Refusal to hire
- Demotion
- Termination
- Reduction in hours or pay
- Any form of harassment or bullying
- Lactation AccommodationsCalifornia law requires employers to provide reasonable break time and a private space (other than a bathroom) for expressing breast milk.
California Family Rights Act: Extended Bonding Time
In addition to PDL, eligible employees can take advantage of CFRA, which provides up to 12 weeks of job-protected leave for bonding with a new child. This is separate from and in addition to any leave taken under PDL, allowing for a combined leave of up to seven months.
Navigating the Complexities
While these protections are extensive, navigating the complexities of California employment law can be challenging. Employers may not always be fully aware of their obligations, or in some cases, may attempt to circumvent these laws.
At Elite Employment Law, we help expectant mothers in Orange County and throughout California understand and assert their rights. If you believe your rights have been violated, or if you simply need clarity on what protections are available to you, schedule a free consultation today.
Contact Our Orange County Pregnancy Discrimination Attorneys Today
If you are facing challenges at work related to your pregnancy, or if you simply want to ensure you understand your rights fully, call us.
Elite Employment Law is dedicated to protecting the rights of pregnant employees. We offer compassionate, knowledgeable guidance to help you navigate this important time in your life with confidence.
Remember, knowledge is power. Understanding your rights is the first step in ensuring they are protected. Contact Elite Employment Law today for a confidential consultation, and let us help you ensure your rights as an expectant mother in the California workplace.