Sen. Timilty Supports Pregnant Workers Fairness Act

From The Office of Senator Timilty: Senator Walter F. Timilty (D-Milton) today voted in favor of legislation to require employers to make reasonable accommodations for pregnant workers.

The Pregnant Workers Fairness Act, filed by Senator Joan B. Lovely (D-Danvers) and Representative Dave Rogers (D-Cambridge) and cosponsored by Timilty, passed the Senate unanimously. The legislation adds pregnancy and its related conditions to existing employment nondiscrimination laws, prohibiting employers from firing or discriminating against pregnant or nursing employees. In addition, the legislation requires employers to provide certain accommodations to pregnant employees, including time off following childbirth, assistance with manual labor, a modified work schedule, and more frequent or longer breaks.

“I was proud to stand with my colleagues today in strong support of equal opportunity for all workers across the Commonwealth,” said Timilty. “Pregnant workers are frequently denied access to necessary accommodations, as the first-hand stories we’ve heard throughout this process illustrate. This legislation makes it clear that pregnant women should not face a choice between a healthy pregnancy and their employment, but instead be treated with the utmost fairness and protection.”

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