What are the rights of employees who become pregnant?

In Texas, pregnant employees have the right to be treated fairly and without discrimination at their workplace. Employees who become pregnant are protected from getting fired or facing any negative treatment because of their pregnancy. Texas law also requires employers to provide pregnant employees with a reasonable amount of time off for any medical appointments or treatment related to the pregnancy, as long as the employee gives written notice to the employer in advance. Pregnant employees in Texas are entitled to reasonable pregnancy accommodations by their employers. This can include changes to their job duties or work hours, and access to more frequent restroom breaks. Additionally, pregnant employees are eligible for up to 12 weeks of unpaid leave under federal law based on the Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA). This leave should be available when the employee is medically unable to perform her job, or when necessary for the health of the employee and/or the baby. In Texas, employers are prohibited from reducing an employee’s wages, benefits, or other job duties or privileges because they are pregnant. Pregnant employees are also entitled to be reinstated to their prior positions with the same pay, benefits, and seniority level after their pregnancy leave ends. Finally, pregnant employees in Texas have the right to join a labor union and participate in collective bargaining, as long as they meet the union’s eligibility requirements. By law, employers are prohibited from making any discrimination against a pregnant employee because of union activities.

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