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Ask the Expert: Finding Balance Natalie Gahrmann is a success coach and owner of N-R-G Coaching Associates, a private coaching company that specializes in helping working parents achieve mastery of work and life. Her clients experience more clarity, direction and alignment while reducing stress in their busy lives.
Pregnant While InterviewingMary Ellen writes, "I have just found out that my company is closing it's doors. I am also 3 months pregnant. I will get some sort of a severance package, so that will sustain me for a couple of months. Do you think any employer in their right mind would hire me? I will no doubt look pregnant by the time I get any interviews scheduled. What are the odds I'd get hired?"
Answer: Dear Mary Ellen, Also be aware that under The Pregnancy Discrimination Act which is an amendment to Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, companies employing 15 or more people are required to treat pregnant workers the same way they treat other workers who have medical disabilities and cannot work. The law prohibits job discrimination on the basis of pregnancy, childbirth or related disability. It guarantees equal treatment of disabilities, including pregnancy, birth or related medical conditions. Your employer cannot fire you because you are pregnant or force you to take mandatory maternity leave. You are protected in other ways too. You must be granted the same health, disability and sick-leave benefits as any other employee who has a medical condition. You must be given modified tasks, alternate assignments, disability leave or leave without pay (depending on your company's policy). You are allowed to work as long as you can perform your job. You are guaranteed job security on leave. You continue to accrue seniority and vacation, and to remain eligible for pay increases and benefits. If your company does not provide job security or benefits to other employees, it does not have to provide them to a pregnant woman. In your case, the company is closing its' doors, therefore, you are not being discriminated against wrongly. While you are interviewing for a new job, an employer cannot refuse to hire you because of your pregnancy related condition as long as you are able to perform the major functions of the job. An employer cannot refuse to hire you because of its prejudices against pregnant workers or the prejudices of co-workers, clients or customers.
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