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One to Keep An Eye On: HR 2694 (Pregnant Workers Fairness Act)

 

As with many employment and labor law related cases (and bills) being litigated around the country, there are always a few that stand out.  This is one to keep an eye on.


New York Democratic Representative Jerry Nadler has introduced a piece of legislation, HR 2694 (also known as the Pregnant Workers Fairness Act) which would require employers to provide reasonable accommodations to help pregnant workers continue working as well as prohibit employers from denying employment opportunities to these workers because they are pregnant.

With Democrats having majority control of the House of Representatives (and this legislation being sponsored by a Democratic Representative), I think it is quite likely it will advance to a floor debate and garner approval to move to the Senate.  With that being said, with Republicans holding a slim majority control of the Senate (and likely not looking to advance much of the Democratic legislative agenda ahead of November’s elections), HR 2694 might not get very far should it clear the House.  Nevertheless, it keeps the topic of pregnancy discrimination alive in Congress and perhaps teed up for eventual approval should majority control of Congress shift in the coming years.


For additional information:  https://www.congress.gov/bill/116th-congress/house-bill/2694/text

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