Long Island Business News reports that pregnancy discrimination complaints with the U.S Equal Employment Opportunity Commission have risen in recent year. Texas employment lawyers predict that the economic recession will prompt even more pregnancy discrimination cases.
EEOC states that pregnancy discrimination complaints went from 3,997 in 1997 to 6,196 for the fiscal year of 2009. This dramatic 56 percent increase can be due to many factors, but might be because women today have a greater awareness of their rights, compared to female workers in the past.
Employment lawyers also point out that President Barack Obama now has a Civil Rights Division that is dedicated to prosecuting civil rights violations and employment discrimination. Our current recession also plays a role with more pregnancy discrimination claims, as there is more need for money and income at this time. Employment lawyer Ellen R. Storch told Long Island Business news that people who fall into a protected class may be more likely to pursue a discrimination claim because they have a greater need for the income.
The Pregnancy Discrimination Act, which disallows discrimination on the basis of pregnancy, is an amendment to Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1965. Chapter 21 of the Texas Labor Code also prohibits pregnancy discrimination in the state, according to the Texas Workforce Commission. The law specifically states that pregnant women must be treated in the same manner as other applicants or employees with similar abilities or limitations. Texans who have experienced discrimination in the workplace based on conditions of pregnancy should not hesitate to contact a Texas employment lawyer.
Related Resources:
- A Marked Increase In Pregnancy Discrimination Claims (FindLaw Writ)
- Facts about Pregnancy Discrimination (FindLaw)
- Texas Employment Lawyer Directory (FindLaw)