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The Pregnant Workers Fairness Act, which goes into effect on April 1, 2018, prohibits employment discrimination on the basis of pregnancy and pregnancy-related conditions, such as lactation or the need to express breast milk for a nursing child. It also describes employers’ obligations to employees that are pregnant or lactating and the protections these employees are entitled to receive. Generally, employers may not treat employees or job applicants less favorably than other employees based on pregnancy or pregnancy-related conditions and have an obligation to accommodate pregnant workers. Under the law, employers must provide written notice to employees of the right to be free from discrimination due to pregnancy or a condition related to pregnancy, including the right to reasonable accommodations for conditions related to pregnancy, in a handbook, pamphlet, or other means of notice no later than April 1, 2018. The Massachusetts Commission Against Discrimination (MCAD) Guidance on the Pregnant Workers fairness Act may be used to fulfill the notice requirement of the law. Please click on the following links for additional information on employer compliance with this law: MCAD Pregnant Workers Fairness Act Guidance & the Questions and Answers; and |