The Pregnant Workers Fairness Act (PWFA) is a new Federal law that went into effect June 27. This law requires covered employers – including the UNC System Office – to provide reasonable accommodations to a worker’s limitations related to pregnancy, childbirth, or related medical conditions, unless the accommodation will cause the employer an undue hardship. The PWFA applies to all employees and to job applicants.
A reasonable accommodation may be any change to the work environment or the way things are usually done at work. For example, reasonable accommodations under the PWFA may include the ability to sit or drink water; receive closer parking or additional break time; flexible scheduling; and the ability to be excused from strenuous activities or activities that include exposure to compounds not safe for pregnancy.
The PWFA applies only to accommodations and does not replace existing laws that make it illegal to discriminate against or fire workers on the basis of pregnancy, childbirth, or related conditions.
Here are some tips for asking for a reasonable accommodation:
- Talk to your manager or to System Office HR. Explain that you need an accommodation because of a physical or mental condition related to your pregnancy, childbirth, or related medical condition.
- Share the barriers or difficulties you are facing. Give ideas for changes that could help you do your job, if you have any – whether it’s a piece of equipment, additional breaks, or a different schedule.
If you have questions, contact System Office HR.