A new set of rules for US employers is in effect: the Pregnant Workers Fairness Act. Building upon the Civil Rights ACT, the PWFA requires companies to provide reasonable accommodations for expecting employees, including breaks and remote work, “unless the accommodation will cause the employer an undue hardship.”
Part of the idea is to expand for expecting mothers a system similar to the “reasonable accommodation” process employers are accustomed to under the ADA. The US Equal Employment Opportunity Commission will begin accepting discrimination charges for incidents occurring on or after June 27, 2023.
The act represents an important step to allowing pregnant women to remain healthy and productive in the workforce, but — along with the recently passed PUMP Act that protects nursing mothers – the PWFA does place new risks and obligations on even smaller employers.
If you are an employer needing more information on the PWFA or would like to ensure your actions remain in compliance with changes in employment regulation, Princeton Business Law is here to demystify any ambiguity and smooth out any business speed bumps. Contact us for assistance.
