Author Josie Cox discusses the persistent issue of pregnancy discrimination in corporate America and the historical context of women's economic struggles in her book "Women Money Power: The Rise and Fall of Economic Equality." Despite legal advancements, subtle biases and discrimination remain, impacting women's professional and economic opportunities. Cox also highlights the economic consequences of restricted reproductive rights and the need for more women in leadership roles.
The finalized federal regulations for the Pregnant Workers Fairness Act include provisions for job accommodations related to abortions, sparking controversy among Republican lawmakers and anti-abortion activists. The law requires most employers with 15 or more employees to provide reasonable accommodations for pregnancy-related medical conditions, including abortions, unless it causes undue hardship. Labor advocates and major business groups support the law, while Republican lawmakers and anti-abortion activists denounce the inclusion of abortion. The EEOC's regulations will go into effect on June 18, providing guidance for employers and workers on implementing the law.
The U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) has issued a final rule to implement the Pregnant Workers Fairness Act (PWFA), requiring most employers with 15 or more employees to provide reasonable accommodations for a worker’s known limitations related to pregnancy, childbirth, or related medical conditions, unless it causes undue hardship. The final rule provides clarity to employers and workers about who is covered, the types of limitations and medical conditions covered, how individuals can request reasonable accommodations, and numerous concrete examples. EEOC Chair Charlotte A. Burrows emphasized that the PWFA is a win for workers, families, and the economy, providing clear access to reasonable accommodations and preventing discrimination and retaliation.
A Blaine pet store fired Hannah Grell an hour after hiring her upon learning she was pregnant, leading to a discrimination case settled by the Minnesota Department of Human Rights. The pet retailer will be under state supervision for three years and pay Grell $22,000 as a result of the settlement.
Frontier Airlines has reached a settlement in a federal lawsuit filed by five pilots who accused the airline of pregnancy and breastfeeding discrimination. As part of the settlement, Frontier will allow pilots to pump breastmilk in the cockpit during noncritical phases of a flight and update or comply with policies that affect pregnant and lactating employees. The settlement does not admit any liability by Frontier. The American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) hailed the settlement as a message to employers, particularly in the airline industry, that reasonable accommodations are necessary and required by law. Similar terms were reached in a separate lawsuit filed by flight attendants against Frontier in April 2022.
Dollar General has agreed to pay $42,500 to settle a lawsuit filed by the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) alleging that the company fired a store cashier in Georgia immediately after she informed her manager of her pregnancy. The EEOC accused Dollar General of pregnancy discrimination, stating that the manager questioned the safety of the employee working while pregnant, despite her assurance that she could continue working. Pregnancy discrimination is illegal under federal laws, including Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 and the Pregnant Workers Fairness Act.
Dollar General has agreed to pay $42,500 to settle a lawsuit filed by the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) after a worker in Georgia was fired for being pregnant. The EEOC claimed that the worker's dismissal was discriminatory and motivated by her pregnancy. The worker had informed her store manager about her pregnancy but did not request any pregnancy-related leave or indicate that she was unable to work. Dollar General initially apologized and offered her light-duty work, but later listed her discharge as due to "health reasons." The settlement includes back pay and compensatory damages, as well as an expansion of Dollar General's anti-discrimination policy and training on pregnancy discrimination for store managers.
Las Vegas Aces head coach Becky Hammon denies allegations of pregnancy discrimination towards former player Dearica Hamby, after being suspended for two games without pay for violating the WNBA's Respect in the Workplace policies. The league conducted two separate investigations, interviewing 33 people and reviewing texts, emails, and other documents. Hammon claims that the decision to trade Hamby had nothing to do with her pregnancy and more to do with landing two-time WNBA champion Candace Parker. The WNBPA and Aces spoke against the WNBA's ruling, arguing that Hammon and the Aces should have received a more severe punishment that would not impact a future player.
Las Vegas Aces head coach Becky Hammon denies allegations made by Dearica Hamby that she was discriminated against due to her pregnancy. Hammon was suspended for two games by the WNBA for violating league and team Respect in the Workplace policies. The league investigation found that Hammon made discriminatory comments to Hamby in connection with her pregnancy. Hamby was traded to the Los Angeles Sparks while pregnant and accused the Aces organization of bullying, manipulating, lying, and discriminating against her. The WNBA Players Association criticized the league's decision, saying it does not uphold the collective bargaining agreement.
Las Vegas Aces head coach Becky Hammon denies that Dearica Hamby's pregnancy was the reason for her trade and says it was a business decision. Hammon was suspended for two games and the team lost a 2025 first-round draft pick after violating league and team workplace policies. The WNBA investigated claims made by Hamby, who said the team discriminated against her for getting pregnant. Hamby had signed a two-year contract extension with the Aces in June and denied accusations of signing the extension while knowing she was pregnant.
Las Vegas Aces head coach Becky Hammon has been suspended for two games without pay by the WNBA for violating league and team Respect in the Workplace policies for comments made to former player Dearica Hamby while she was pregnant. The Aces have also been docked their 2025 first-round draft pick for “promises of impermissible benefits” in salary negotiations with Hamby. Hamby accused the franchise of discrimination for comments made about her pregnancy. The WNBA could not substantiate any violations regarding the signings of Alysha Clark and Candace Parker.
