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Pregnancy Discrimination

Pregnancy DiscriminationNew Jersey Lawyer Protecting Employees Pregnancy Rights

Have you been informed by your employer that you will not have a job when you return from your pregnancy leave? Was your job eliminated while on you were out on maternity leave? Have you not been provided the same leave benefits for your pregnancy as other disabled workers are provided by your employer? Have you returned to work from a pregnancy leave of absence and are now being marginalized as a result of taking the leave? If so, you may be the victim of pregnancy discrimination and should call to speak to our employment attorneys to investigate and help you to determine whether you have an actionable claim.

The New Jersey Law Against Discrimination Prohibits Pregnancy Discrimination

The New Jersey Law Against Discrimination prohibits an employer from discriminating against an individual in terms, conditions or privileges of employment on the basis of pregnancy, childbirth or sex. An employer who refuses to continue the employment of a woman because of a pregnancy, delivery of a child or complications that arise from a pregnancy is liable for sex or gender discrimination under the New Jersey Law Against Discrimination. A pregnant woman is entitled to the same rights and disability leave as employees disabled for other reasons. An employer may not discriminate against a pregnant employee by not allowing her to use accumulated sick leave during the period of temporary disability when it can be used for any other period of absence due to physical disability.

It is against New Jersey law to:

  • Terminate an employee because they are pregnant and despite the fact that they can perform the essential functions of the job;
  • Refuse to hire a pregnant woman because they are likely to become pregnant;
  • Involuntary transfer a pregnant woman to another position because the pregnancy;
  • Require a pregnant employee to begin a leave before the employee wanted to begin the leave despite the fact that they can perform the essential functions of the job

The New Jersey Department of Civil Rights has stated that a pregnant woman is entitled to work as long as she is able to perform her job. When she is no longer able to work, she should receive the same consideration given to those taking disability leave. When she returns from disability leave she is entitled to the same seniority, benefits, etc. as well as a comparable position if similarly disabled employees are entitled to the same rights and benefits.

New Jersey law mandates that employers treat pregnant women the same as other employees who have disabilities. This includes treating employees with the pregnancy related medical conditions be given the same rights and privileges as an employee with a disability, including leaves of absence, modified job duties, light duty and alternative work assignments. An employer is prohibited from forcing a pregnant employee to take a leave of absence because she is pregnant and instead must permit her to work as long as she is able to perform the essential functions of the job.

Pregnant woman may also have protected leave rights under the New Jersey Family Leave Act and the federal Family and Medical Leave Act. These statutes provide guarantee job protection for eligible employees to take a leave of absence from work as a result of a pregnancy, child birth or adoption.

If you believe you have been discriminated against because of your pregnancy, please send us an e-mail to schedule a consultation with an experienced employment law attorney.

DISCLAIMER: The information you obtain at this site is not, nor is it intended to be, legal advice. You should consult an attorney for individual advice regarding your own situation.
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We had a wrongful termination issue combined with a denial of unemployment insurance. Chris Eibeler was our primary attorney. His partner Bob Smith also consulted and gave us good advice. They were both so kind, caring, and professional. They guided us though a very tough time and a positive outcome versus a prior employer. They were also able to reverse our denial of unemployment insurance. I cannot recommend Smith and Eibeler highly enough. The entire staff is very professional, personable, and caring. Tom Wilson
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Chris Eibeler (and the whole team) is very knowledgeable in all aspects of employment/unemployment here in NJ. They break down the most difficult aspects of the law, which allows you to conceptualize and better understand the complexities of the NJ Labor & Employment system. Smith Eibeler should be your first call regarding any Employment, workforce, or Labor questions here in New Jersey. I highly recommend them. Brian Allen
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I approached Chris Eibeler regarding an unemployment case in early 2016. Him and his staff are some of the most professional people I have ever dealt with. The process took a while, but his approach to hard questioning helped me win my case. He knows how to get the job done and I am glad I went to him. I would recommend him to anyone in the future who asks for a lawyer. Thank you Chris! Tim F.
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I highly recommend the office of Smith Eibeler for employment related issues, particularly anything related to restrictive covenants or post-employment contracts. I found Smith Eibeler via the web and cannot believe how fortunate I am to have found them. My case was handled by Bob Smith who represented me in a potential lawsuit by my former employer for violation of a post-employment contract (not a restrictive covenant per se). Bob was professional, friendly, understanding, and above all extremely helpful. Bob helped me avoid a lawsuit and was extremely knowledgeable in this field. I was thoroughly impressed with his prowess. Hopefully I will never have a legal issue related to employment again, but if I do, I will not hesitate to retain Smith Eibeler again! Gavin Tully

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