Pregnant Workers Fairness Act to Provide Fair Accommodations in Workplace

The Pregnant Workers Fairness Act intends to provide workplace accommodations to pregnant workers and new parents. The accommodations include shorter work hours, longer breaks, and more time off.

On June 27, the Pregnant Workers Fairness Act took effect and will provide fair accommodations to several pregnant workers and new parents in their workplace. These accommodations reportedly include shorter work hours, longer breaks, and more time off.

According to Sheidlower, the Pregnant Workers Fairness Act was signed into law by U.S. President Joe Biden in December 2022. Reports say the earlier versions from 2019 and 2021 were unsuccessful as both did not pass the Senate despite being passed in the House.

Nonetheless, the Pregnant Workers Fairness Act will not replace any local, state, or federal law that offers more insurance to the workers. To date, there are more than 30 cities and states in the U.S. that have laws that provide accommodations to the workers.

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Pregnant Workers Fairness Act in Workplace

According to Johnson, the Pregnant Workers Fairness Act will require employers with at least 15 workers to provide fair accommodations for workers dealing with pregnancy, childbirth, or any related medical condition.

To date, the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission has not yet announced the types of accommodations that must be provided. However, some accommodations could include closer parking spaces, properly sized uniforms, longer break time to eat or rest, being excused from strenuous activities, and taking time off to recover from childbirth.

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