The United States Supreme Court recently ruled in favor of pregnant employees on the issue of workplace accommodations. In the case of Young v. United Parcel Service, Inc., the Supreme Court heard the case of a pregnant driver who was placed on restrictions by her doctor that she not lift more than 20 pounds. UPS requires its drivers to be able to lift at least 70 pounds to perform their job.
UPS also granted accommodations regarding the lifting requirement to other categories of employees such as those with on-the-job injuries and those with disabilities, but did not give Ms. Young the same accommodations. In ruling in favor of Ms. Young, the Court essentially determined that pregnant workers cannot be denied accommodations where other non-pregnant workers who are similar in their ability or inability to work are given accommodations.
The Florida Supreme Court case of Delva v. The Continental Group, Inc. also gave a win for Florida pregnant workers by clarifying that although the Florida Civil Rights Act does not specifically list pregnancy as a protected class, discrimination against pregnant employees is gender discrimination, and therefore a violation of the Florida Civil Rights Act.
These two rulings show that courts are beginning to recognize the rights of pregnant workers and the need to protect them from discrimination. The Law Office of Shands M. Wulbern, P.A. believes in fighting for the rights of pregnant workers. Contact our office immediately if you believe your career is in jeopardy because of pregnancy discrimination. You deserve to be treated fairly.