Nadler, Maloney Seek Help For Pregnant Women In Workplace
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Members of New York's Congressional delegation want to make it easier for pregnant women in the workplace.
Representatives Jerrold Nadler of Manhattan and Brooklyn and Carolyn Maloney of Manhattan and Queens introduced the Pregnant Workers Fairness Act in Washington Tuesday.
If passed, it would require employers to make accommodations for workers who are pregnant, such as limiting physically strenuous aspects of a job.
Employers would be forbidden to force pregnant workers to take leave.
They also would be prevented from not hiring a worker based on how much pregnancy-related assistance she will need.
"No woman should fear that she will be fired, forced out on leave unnecessarily or denied a minor adjustment that would allow her to continue working during her pregnancy," Nadler said.
"Equal treatment and ending discrimination is not enough. What we have found from many, many cases is that you need a small accommodation, whether it is someone who helps you move the chair or you need to carry a bottle to drink water," Maloney said.
The bill has no Republican support in the House of Representatives, but Nadler said he is hopeful that will change.