Know Your Rights Under The 2015 Illinois Pregnancy Accommodation Law
Who is eligible for protection under the Pregnancy law?
The law covers full-time, part-time, probationary workers and applicants. Essentially, if you are pregnant and working or looking for a job, you’re covered!
What protections does the Pregnancy law provide?
- Employers cannot discriminate against employees based on pregnancy.
- Employers must make reasonable accommodations for pregnant workers, such as:
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- Help with manual labor or lifting
- Providing seating
- “Light Duty” assignments
- Extra breaks for bathroom, snacks, water
- Leave for doctor appointments
- Leave for complications/bed rest
- Employers cannot retaliate against employees for requesting accommodations
- Employers may not force changes without a worker’s consent, like moving pregnant women to the back of the house or forcing them to take vacation.
If I’m pregnant and want to make sure I’m protected, what should I do?
- Talk to a doctor and ask if you will need accommodations at work so you and your baby will be safe.
- Tell your employer’s Human Resources department about any accommodations you need – make sure to bring a Shop Steward or coworker with you when you go!
- If you think you’re employer is not complying with the law, talk to a Shop Steward or another union representative as soon as possible!
For more details, take a look HERE.
During pregnancy and after giving birth, you can also use your rights under FMLA. Click HERE for more information.