Pregnancy Discrimination Lawyers in Naperville and Chicago
Protecting Pregnant Workers in Chicago and Illinois
It is illegal to fire someone because they are pregnant. The tougher issue
is showing that the termination was actually because of the pregnancy.
Sometimes employers will make up a reason because they know that it is
illegal to fire someone because they are pregnant.
Furthermore, women who are pregnant cannot be adversely affected by work
policies based on their pregnancy, childbirth, or associated conditions.
Pregnancy discrimination may occur in various situations, including:
Hiring
Firing
Wages
Job assignments
Promotions
Training
Benefits
Request your complimentary case review with one of our Naperville &
Chicago lawyers by calling
(312) 818-2407 today.
Pregnancy Discrimination Laws in Illinois
The Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (“EEOC”) has deemed
pregnancy discrimination a growing problem. As such, the EEOC recently
issued guidance on pregnancy discrimination in the workplace that requires
“pregnant employees to be treated the same as non-pregnant employees,”
and requires accommodations to be provided to pregnant employees that
is of equal accommodations provided to non-pregnant employees.
Employers in Illinois may not:
Implement policies that are outright discriminatory against pregnant women
Discharge or refuse to hire or promote a woman because she is pregnant
Establish mandatory maternity lave unrelated to the employee’s ability to work
Prohibit the employee from returning to work for a predetermined period
following childbirth
It is ultimately unlawful for an employer to differentiate between pregnancy
related and other disabilities. A pregnant female employee must be treated
just as another temporarily disabled employee would be treated. Therefore,
an employer must make reasonable accommodations to allow the employee
to perform modified job duties or an alternative work assignment.
If neither a modification of job duties or an alternative work assignment
is sufficient, the employer may need to allow the employee to take disability
leave or unpaid leave as it would for other employees.
Maternity Leave Laws in Illinois
Aside from the aforementioned, the Family and Medical Leave Act (“FMLA”)
adds additional protections to the Pregnancy Discrimination Act. The FMLA
provides for additional rights for break times when nursing.
The FMLA also allows pregnant employees who meet certain conditions to
take up to 12 weeks of unpaid leave during a 12-month period for:
Childbirth
Adoption
Serious health conditions
Taking care of a sick child or family member
Employees cannot be fired due to taking maternity leave under the FMLA.
When you return from your leave, your employer is required to reinstate
you to the same or a similar position.
Employees who are or were pregnant and feel they are being or have been
discriminated against due to their pregnancy should discuss their circumstances
with an attorney. Our firm can help employees investigate the merits of
their case and determine whether discrimination has occurred.
Additional Protections for Pregnant Employees in Illinois
Illinois passed a law (PA 98-1050) requiring that employers of any size
make reasonable accommodations arising out of pregnancy. The law relates
to accommodations while the employee is pregnant, recovering from childbirth,
and if the employee is having common medical conditions associated with
being pregnant.
Employers must provide reasonable accommodations unless the employer can
show an undue hardship. Reasonable accommodations are reasonable, temporary
changes that let an individual do the essential functions of a job while
pregnant or recovering from childbirth. Employers cannot retaliate against
an employee who requests a reasonable accommodation.
In Illinois, the Illinois Department of Human Rights processes employment
discrimination claims.
Under federal law, the EEOC enforces the Pregnancy Discrimination Act.
Notably, the EEOC regards inquiry into whether an applicant intends to
become pregnant as evidence of employment discrimination.
For detailed information on how our lawyers can help you with your unique
case, dial
(312) 818-2407 today.