On June 27, 2023, the Pregnancy Workers Fairness Act (PWFA) became effective, providing specific protections to ensure that employees experiencing pregnancy, childbirth, or a related medical condition are provided with reasonable accommodations. The Act requires covered employers to provide reasonable accommodations to qualified workers affected by pregnancy, childbirth, or related medical conditions, as long as the accommodations do not cause undue hardship on the employer, such as significant difficulty or expense.
The PWFA covers the same employers as Title VII. The EEOC has provided examples of reasonable accommodations that would be utilized by workers who are pregnant, and the types of accommodations employers should be aware of. Some of these examples include longer breaks, allowing an employee to have food and drink at the workstation, providing stools to sit or rest on, allowing for telework, leave for medical appointments, and assistance with lifting or other manual labor.
Individuals who are affected by pregnancy, childbirth, or a related medical condition will need to request these reasonable accommodations from their employer, so the employer is aware of the condition and related hardship. These reasonable accommodations will allow workers experiencing pregnancy, childbirth, or related medical conditions to feel supported in carrying out their duties and allow them to continue working.
If you need more guidance or information, contact the employment law experts at General Counsel, PC today at 703-556-0411 or intake@gcpc.com. Attorneys at General Counsel, PC are specialized in labor and employment law and have experience working with business owners and individuals across Virginia, specifically in Fairfax County, Arlington, Loudoun County, and Prince William.