If you are an employee in California and wondering how your pregnancy affects your employment status, benefits or workplace accommodations, it’s essential to understand the policies that support you during this time.
Under California law, your employer is prohibited from harassing or discriminating against you because of pregnancy. To better pursue your rights as a pregnant employee, it is important to understand your obligations and rights as a pregnant employee.
Your rights as a pregnant employee
In California, pregnant employees have several key protections, including:
- Reasonable accommodations to cater for medical needs related to pregnancy.
- The option to transfer to a less strenuous or hazardous position or duties if medically necessary due to pregnancy.
- Up to four months of Pregnancy Disability Leave (PDL), which allows you to return to your same job or a comparable one once your disability due to pregnancy ends.
- Access to reasonable break time and a private location for lactation.
These rights help ensure that you are supported throughout your pregnancy, allowing you to maintain your health and job security during this important time.
What are your obligations to your employer?
To enable your employer to provide you with the necessary support and accommodations, you have certain responsibilities to fulfill, including:
- Provide reasonable notice: Give 30 days’ notice if the need for accommodation or leave is foreseeable; otherwise, notify your employer as soon as practically possible.
- Submit written medical certification: Provide a doctor’s note explaining the need for accommodation, transfer or leave within the time frame requested by your employer.
- Respond promptly in emergencies: If the situation is urgent or unforeseen, make every effort to submit certification as soon as you can.
Failing to fulfill these obligations may delay your accommodations or leave. If you feel that you are being treated unfairly due to your pregnancy, seeking legal guidance can help you understand your options and how to best protect your rights.