Should I tolerate pregnancy discrimination at work?

When you become pregnant, you will likely be very excited about everything that the future holds for you. However, you may also be nervous about the way it could potentially affect your career. You should remember that you are legally protected from discrimination as a person who is pregnant or a person who is perceived to be at risk of becoming pregnant.

Therefore, you should make sure that you do not tolerate any type of discrimination from co-workers regarding your pregnancy. It is also important that you understand your rights and protections under the law. The following are the types of protection from pregnancy discrimination that you will be covered by.

Protection from discriminatory work situations

You have the right to continue with your work as normal, regardless of your pregnancy. This means that your employer cannot alter aspects of your working situation due to your pregnancy. For example, if you are demoted or if your pay is decreased after you announce that you are pregnant, you will be able to take legal action.

Protection from disability discrimination

Medical complications relating to pregnancy can often mean that pregnant women are temporarily unable to perform their jobs. If this situation occurs, the pregnant woman should be treated in the same way that any other temporarily disabled employee is treated. They may be entitled to protected unpaid leave or disability leave, depending on their employment.

If you believe that you may have been discriminated against by your employer because you are pregnant, you should not be fearful about making a claim. By taking action you will be protecting your career, and you may also be entitled to damages.