Can My Employer Treat Me Differently Because I’m Pregnant?

Since I told my supervisor I was pregnant, she has taken away all my meaningful work. Is there anything I can do? Gender discrimination?

If you can still perform the essential duties of your job, your employer generally cannot treat you differently just because you are pregnant. Your employer must judge you by your ability to do your work, not by your pregnancy. If the discrimination happened around the time you requested or needed leave, you may also have rights under the Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA).

Will Filing an EEOC Complaint Prevent Me From Filing a Lawsuit?

I want to file an EEOC complaint for gender discrimination. Does that mean I can’t sue later?

Filing a complaint with the EEOC often serves as the first step before filing a federal lawsuit. If the EEOC does not issue a decision within a certain time, or if it decides not to pursue your case, you may still have the right to file a lawsuit in federal court.

Am I Being Paid Less Than My Male Coworker for the Same Work?

I believe I earn less than my male counterpart, even though we do the same job. Do I have a claim?

You may have a claim under the Equal Pay Act. This law requires employers to pay men and women the same wages for substantially equal work. In some cases, you can go directly to court instead of filing an agency complaint first. However, you should base that decision on several legal and practical factors.

FAQ: Gender Discrimination

Can My Employer Treat Me Differently Because I’m Pregnant?

Since I told my supervisor I was pregnant, she has taken away all my meaningful work. Is there anything I can do? Gender discrimination?

If you can still perform the essential duties of your job, your employer generally cannot treat you differently just because you are pregnant. Your employer must judge you by your ability to do your work, not by your pregnancy. If the discrimination happened around the time you requested or needed leave, you may also have rights under the Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA).

Will Filing an EEOC Complaint Prevent Me From Filing a Lawsuit?

I want to file an EEOC complaint for gender discrimination. Does that mean I can’t sue later?

Filing a complaint with the EEOC often serves as the first step before filing a federal lawsuit. If the EEOC does not issue a decision within a certain time, or if it decides not to pursue your case, you may still have the right to file a lawsuit in federal court.

Am I Being Paid Less Than My Male Coworker for the Same Work?

I believe I earn less than my male counterpart, even though we do the same job. Do I have a claim?

You may have a claim under the Equal Pay Act. This law requires employers to pay men and women the same wages for substantially equal work. In some cases, you can go directly to court instead of filing an agency complaint first. However, you should base that decision on several legal and practical factors.