Jersey Shore Personal Injury and Employment Specialists

3 subtle signs of pregnancy discrimination at work

On Behalf of | Aug 7, 2020 | blog |

Both federal and state law prohibit employers from discriminating against employees because of their pregnancies. Accordingly, if your manager wrongfully terminates your employment because you are planning to have a baby, you may have a valid discrimination claim. 

Unfortunately, pregnancy discrimination is not always so easy to identify. That is, your boss may discriminate against you, even if he or she stops short of firing you. Here are three subtle signs you may be the victim of illegal pregnancy discrimination. 

1. A bad work schedule

If you do not work in a place that offers regular hours, you may enjoy your normal shift. After announcing your pregnancy, though, your manager may modify your schedule. If your bad work schedule is due to your pregnancy, your employer may be running afoul of anti-discrimination laws. 

2. Different job duties

Employers should make reasonable accommodations to assist their pregnant workers. Nevertheless, if your manager changes your job duties as punishment for your pregnancy, discrimination may be to blame. 

3. Missed networking or training opportunities

To do your job effectively, you may need to network or participate in ongoing training. If your employer excludes you from necessary opportunities because of your pregnancy, you may need to file a discrimination charge to protect your professional interests. 

The occasional missed training opportunity probably should not concern you. The same is true for a poor work schedule or changed job duties. Nonetheless, if your employer engages in a pattern of subtle discriminatory behavior, you probably have evidence of impermissible pregnancy discrimination.