Pregnancy Harassment

As is the case for other forms of prejudiced harassment, it is unlawful for employers or coworkers to harass a pregnant employee, regardless of whether they are a direct employee or an independent contractor. Additionally, employers are responsible for preventing harassment in the workplace, and are required to make reasonable attempts to prevent harassment. If you are facing pregnancy harassment, we encourage you to discuss your situation with a Los Angeles pregnancy discrimination attorney from our firm.

What Is Pregnancy Harassment in California?

The California Department of Fair Employment and Housing (DFEH) implemented regulations to ensure that employers take the necessary steps to promote fairness in the workplace. In addition, DFEH punishes employers when they are not acting lawfully.

Under the Fair Employment and Housing Act (FEHA), DFEH outlines unacceptable actions. These actions are forms of harassment. Unlawful actions include harassment related to and/or based on:

• Sex or gender
• Childbirth
• Breastfeeding
• Combination of factors related to those listed above

Pregnancy harassment is illegal when it is:

• Severe enough to create a hostile work environment
• Interferes with an individual’s ability to perform their essential job functions
• Motivated by gender and/or pregnancy

Punishable harassment is not only limited to the employee’s coworkers and employer. It also applies to other individuals that the employee comes into contact with while on the job.

What Do I Do if I Am Facing Pregnancy Harassment at Work?

You will have a stronger case if you have made it clear that the comments and/or actions of others have been bothering you. Make it clear that you wish for them to stop. If this does not change the behavior of others, you should report the harassment to a supervisor. Follow your workplace policy. You may need to report the harassment to Human Resources (HR). By law, employers must take all reasonable actions to prevent harassment in the workplace. You will have a stronger case if you can show that you approached a supervisor, but nothing changed in the work environment.

Contact Our Los Angeles Pregnancy Discrimination Attorneys

Did nothing change in your work environment after expressing discomfort to your supervisor? You may have a greater chance of obtaining compensation for your duress by a judge. Consider speaking with a Los Angeles pregnancy discrimination attorney from our firm. During a free consultation, we will talk about your unique situation. Contact us at (310) 526-8152 or fill out our online contact form to get started.