Bay Area residents know how hard it can be to find a good job, and sometimes, it can feel like the deck is already stacked against you. Current laws prohibit employers from discriminating based on gender, religion, race and other personal preferences during the hiring process. Unfortunately, a proposed change may allow businesses under federal contract to circumvent these laws, and may even allow pregnancy discrimination.
Pregnancy discrimination is already a serious problem for women in the workplace. Many have come forward, explaining how they have been denied opportunities because they are pregnant, had hours reduced or even been fired. Current laws prohibit this sort of treatment, and many victims of pregnancy discrimination take legal action and are successful in a lawsuit against an employer.
Under the proposed changes, it would be alright for businesses under federal contract to take sexual orientation, religious affiliation and, even, pregnancy into consideration during the hiring process. The proposed changes will also allow employers to fire existing employees based on the same criteria. The proposed changes are backed by the current presidential administration.
Statistics show that women, especially mothers, are paid about 20% less than other employees. The new law would even allow specific discrimination against a woman who is pregnant and not married. For a single mom, a steady job is necessary to provide for a child, and being treated unfairly at work can result in undue stress and financial hardships.
When an employee becomes the victim of pregnancy discrimination, she may feel as if the whole world is crashing down around her. Stress can affect an unborn child, and Bay Area employees should be made aware that help and legal recourse are available. An experienced attorney can help a wronged employee seek justice in a court of law, and collect any damages or compensation to which she may be entitled under current law.
