Representative
Jones was one of the original co-sponsors of this legislation, which was filed
in January as House Bill 1038. A redrafted version of the bill was
reported out favorably by the Joint Committee on Labor and Workforce
Development on May 1, and it later received unanimous approval in both the
House of Representatives and the Senate.
The
Pregnant Workers Fairness Act requires employers to offer reasonable
accommodations to workers who are pregnant or nursing, including modified work
schedules, temporary assignment to a less strenuous position, and more frequent
bathroom breaks. It also prohibits employers from discriminating against
pregnant workers when hiring or promoting, or retaliating against an employee
for requesting an accommodation.
“The
new law sends a clear message that Massachusetts will not tolerate
discrimination in the workplace,” said Representative Jones. “I’m proud
to stand in support of pregnant workers in the Commonwealth.”
The
new law takes effect on April 1, 2018.
