Although women have come a long way with regard to job protection and discrimination, there are many ways that a pregnant worker can still feel the brunt of unequal treatment. The Federal Pregnancy Discrimination Act affords protections, but only applies to employers who have 15 or more employees on staff. The New Jersey state law on discrimination applies to employers with one or more employees.
By law, pregnancy is a protected class in New Jersey. In spite of that fact, an employer may still fire a pregnant worker but not say that it is the pregnancy that is causing the firing. This type of firing under a pretext can be challenged; however it takes time and knowledge to mount a successful lawsuit on behalf of a pregnant worker. A pregnant worker does not have any more rights than any other disabled worker, nor does the pregnant worker have any fewer rights. But protecting those rights can be a thorny path.
Pregnant workers do not have guaranteed paid leave. Nor is insurance reimbursement guaranteed. It is wise for female workers to investigate their workplace policies on leave and insurance coverage prior to needing to use them. Keep copies of the policies and coverage so that you are aware of changes as they are issued. Sit down with your HR department, ask questions and keep a record of any negative comments.
Contact knowledgeable New Jersey employment lawyers to discuss any issues you may have regarding discrimination in the workplace.
Neil H. Deutsch has been practicing law for over 35 years and is known as a skilled negotiator in employment and discrimination law. He believes in a bottom-line approach of risk analysis and cost effectiveness for his clients. "Case evaluation is something we take seriously," says Mr. Deutsch who seeks top net dollar for his…
Bruce L. Atkins is the Senior Managing Partner at Deutsch Atkins & Kleinfeldt P.C., a prominent plaintiff employment law firm in the tri-state area. Mr. Atkins believes employees’ rights should be aggressively pursued when they’ve been wrongfully dealt with by their employers. He brings this philosophy to his practice when considering each case and its…
Adam J. Kleinfeldt joined Deutsch Atkins & Kleinfeldt, P.C. in March of 2015. He primarily represents individuals in employment litigation such as discrimination, retaliation and whistle blowing matters. He has extensive experience in all phases of the litigation process. Adam has obtained significant results for his clients, including a $525,000 jury verdict in a sexual…
Debra M. McGarvey joined Deutsch Atkins & Kleinfeldt, P.C. in December 2019. She has extensive experience defending employees and employers in state and federal court in employment litigation matters. She has represented clients on various issues arising out of the New Jersey Law Against Discrimination (NJLAD), the New Jersey Conscientious Employee Protection Act (CEPA), the…
Carly Skarbnik Meredith, Esq. is a Partner at the firm. Carly has focused her career exclusively in the field of employment law. She has a plethora of experience representing both employees and employers with their employment issues, needs, and concerns. She believes representing both employees and employers has made her an extremely well-rounded client advocate.…
