As an expectant mother, you face many unknowns. What will the birth be like? Whose features will the baby have? How much sleep will you get after the baby is here? While anticipating the answers to all of these questions, you should not face unknowns regarding your employment.
According to Missouri state and federal law, it is illegal for your employer to discriminate against you because you are pregnant. Keep your eyes open for these five examples of pregnancy discrimination at work.
1. Harassment
It is not acceptable for your employer to make derogatory comments, jokes or threats about your pregnancy to you or others. Pregnancy harassment is discrimination, and it is illegal.
2. Dismissal
Your employer cannot terminate your employment because you are pregnant. Even if they cite your best interests as the reason for letting you go, the right to make that decision is yours, not the employer’s.
3. Cutting hours or refusing leave
An employer cannot cut your hours or refuse to allow you needed time off because you are pregnant. Additionally, the employer cannot deny you a promotion due to your pregnancy.
4. Firing for breastmilk pumping
According to federal law, your employer must provide a private place other than a bathroom for you to pump breast milk. This law also entitles you to breaks for pumping when needed.
5. Retaliation for complaints
As with other forms of discrimination, your employer cannot retaliate against you if you complain about their law violations. Your employer is breaking the law if discrimination continues or worsens after a complaint.
Every woman has a story. If you believe your employer discriminated against you because of your pregnancy, you can take action to preserve your rights.