Dose my work place have to make accomadations for pregnancy restrictions?
I hve worked for the local wal-mart store for 5 years. I am 6 months pregnant and have been put on restrictions. I am allowed to work for 8 hrs. but not allowed to be on my feet for more than 4 hrs. I offered to switch shifts ( I work 3rd ) and do every thing from answer phones to watch the door. I was told by the store manager that if they allowed me to down at my register then everyone would want to sit down. I was told that they had to do what was right for the company and they could not do the wrong thing for the right reasons. Should I even bother persuing this further or should I just try to get my restrictions lifted? I am a first time single mother who lives alone and has no other source of income.
1 answer | asked Oct 12, 2007 4:42 PM [EST] | applies to Ohio
Answers (1)
From the information you provided, my first question is whether Wal-Mart would allow another worker who is not pregnant, but has a similar medical restriction, sit down at the register, as an accommodation for that restriction.
If yes, that would suggest that Wal-Mart is treating you differently because you are pregnant, which is unlawful.
Ohio law requires that employers treat pregnant employees the same as other employees. So if they accommodate other employees with a restriction like yours, then they must accommodate you, as well.
But, if they don't accommodate those kinds of restrictions for anyone, whether pregnant or not, then you might be out of luck.
As a matter of your and your baby's health, it does not sound like a good idea to have your restrictions lifted. Keep trying to pursue a change in position that would allow you to sit every four hours. If there is some compromise you can reach that will allow you to keep working, and to stick to your doctor's restrictions, then try to go that route.
If Wal-Mart is treating you differently because of your pregnancy, you could consider filing a charge of discrimination with the Ohio Civil Rights Commission nearest you (http://www.crc.ohio.gov).
You could use the mediation process to try to reach a compromise and get your employer to work with you on this.
posted by Christina Royer | Oct 15, 2007 10:32 AM [EST]
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