Proficient Pregnancy Discrimination Lawyers Serving Oakland, CA

Pregnancy discrimination occurs when an employer treats an employee or job applicant unfavorably due to pregnancy, childbirth, or related medical conditions. This unfair treatment can take many forms, including termination, refusal to hire, denial of promotions or job assignments, forced leave, or reduced work hours. Additionally, it may involve denying reasonable accommodations, reducing benefits, or retaliating against employees for requesting or utilizing protected leave. Our Oakland pregnancy discrimination attorney possesses in-depth knowledge of federal and California-specific laws and are committed to advocating for justice and equitable treatment for clients facing workplace discrimination.

Legal Protections at the Federal and State Levels

At the federal level, the Pregnancy Discrimination Act (PDA), an amendment to Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, prohibits discrimination based on pregnancy, childbirth, or related medical conditions. Under this act, pregnant employees must be treated the same as other employees with similar abilities or limitations. Additionally, the Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA) grants eligible employees up to 12 weeks of unpaid, job-protected leave for childbirth, bonding with a newborn, or caring for a newly adopted child.

California offers even more robust protections for employees. The California Fair Employment and Housing Act (FEHA) prohibits discrimination related to pregnancy, childbirth, or associated medical conditions and applies to employers with five or more employees. This law covers all aspects of employment, including hiring, promotions, and benefits. Moreover, Pregnancy Disability Leave (PDL) allows up to four months of job-protected leave for pregnancy-related disabilities, while the California Family Rights Act (CFRA) provides 12 weeks of unpaid, job-protected leave for bonding with a new child.

Examples of Pregnancy Discrimination

Our Oakland pregnancy discrimination attorneys assist clients facing various forms of discrimination, including:

Refusal to hire a candidate due to pregnancy or potential pregnancy.
Denial of promotions or specific job assignments based on pregnancy status.
Forcing an employee to take leave despite their ability to perform job duties.
Retaliation against an employee for requesting reasonable accommodations or using protected leave.
Reducing or denying benefits, such as health insurance, otherwise granted to similarly situated employees.

If you are unsure as to whether you have experienced pregnancy discrimination, our attorneys are more than willing to consult with you on the details of your case.

Employer Responsibilities for Pregnancy-Related Leave

Employers are legally required to accommodate employees who need leave due to pregnancy-related medical conditions. If pregnancy limits your ability to work or requires medical leave, your employer must allow you to take the necessary time off. Here are some specific obligations employers must uphold:

Protection Against Termination: Employers cannot terminate your employment or take adverse actions against you simply because you require leave for pregnancy-related medical reasons.
Restrictions on Paid Time Off: Employers cannot force you to use all your sick or vacation time before granting pregnancy leave. This practice is particularly unlawful if they do not impose the same requirement on employees taking leave for other medical conditions.
Fair Treatment for Leave Duration: Employers cannot require you to return to work earlier than employees on medical leave for non-pregnancy-related conditions. Pregnancy leave must be treated equally to other types of medical leave.
Access to Unpaid Leave: If your employer allows other employees to take unpaid leave for medical reasons, they cannot deny you the same opportunity when your leave is related to pregnancy.

These protections ensure that pregnant employees receive equal treatment and are not subjected to discrimination or unfair practices. If your employer violates these obligations, you may have legal grounds to hold them accountable.

Benefits of Hiring Our Attorneys

Navigating complex employment laws can be challenging, but working with an experienced attorney offers significant advantages:

Legal Expertise: We possess extensive knowledge of relevant federal, state, and local laws to ensure clients’ rights are fully protected.
Personalized Advocacy: Our attorneys craft tailored legal strategies based on each client’s unique circumstances.
Compassionate Support: We understand the emotional impact of discrimination and provide compassionate guidance throughout the legal process.
Employer Accountability: Our attorneys strive to hold employers accountable for illegal conduct, promoting fairness and equity in the workplace.

Contact Our Oakland Pregnancy Discrimination Attorney Today

If you believe you have experienced pregnancy discrimination, it is important to act promptly, as statutes of limitations may restrict the timeframe for filing claims. Consult with our Oakland pregnancy discrimination attorney as soon as possible to protect your rights and pursue the justice you deserve. Contact us today to speak with our team and get started with your case.