Pregnant Workers Fairness Act in effect

Washington — The Equal Employment Opportunity Commission is now accepting charges of discrimination under the Pregnant Workers Fairness Act.

The new law, which went into effect June 27, guarantees expanded protections for workers experiencing pregnancy, childbirth or related medical conditions.

All employers with at least 15 employees are required to extend “reasonable accommodations” to pregnant workers. Those accommodations can include additional bathroom breaks, a water bottle at a workstation, having a chair or stool to sit on during work tasks, light duty, and assistance with manual labor.

Complainants can file charges with EEOC for incidents that occurred on or after June 27 via the agency’s online reporting portal.

EEOC also has resources for workers and employers to familiarize themselves with the new law, which was included in the fiscal year 2023 federal appropriations bill signed into law by President Joe Biden on Dec. 29. The resources include:

• A tip sheet on how to request accommodations
• A “Know Your Rights” video series 
• A PWFA rights poster (in English, Spanish and eight other languages)

Previously, the commission published an infographic on the new law for employers, a Q&A about the act and an informational poster.

“The EEOC stands ready to support employers as they carry out the PWFA’s directives and to support workers in receiving the accommodations they are entitled to under the PWFA,” EEOC Chair Charlotte A. Burrows said in a press release. “For workers and job applicants, the PWFA will help ensure economic security at a critical time in their lives.”