Public can weigh in on federal protections for pregnant workers
The federal Equal Employment Opportunity Commission is working on regulations to protect pregnant workers. The work comes after President Joe Biden signed bipartisan legislation into law late last year.
The Pregnant Workers Fairness Act is meant to cover gaps in existing law for workers affected by pregnancy, childbirth or related medical conditions.
Reasonable accommodations must be made for someone to apply for and perform a job and to temporarily suspend functions in certain cases. They may include modified work schedules, more frequent breaks, allowing sitting or standing and providing unpaid leave.
The law also covers existing conditions that are worsened by pregnancy, like high blood pressure, anxiety or carpal tunnel syndrome.
The EEOC is gathering public comment for 60 days before it issues final regulations later this year.
