USW District 10 Sub-District Director Kelly Weaver spoke at a press conference on Tues., Aug. 29, at the Goodwill Store and Donation Center in Lawrenceville alongside Sen. Bob Casey to celebrate the passage of the Pregnant Workers Fairness Act.
The law, which took effect on June 27, expands protections for pregnant employees and applicants by requiring employers with 15 or more employees to make reasonable accommodations to known limitations related to pregnancy, childbirth, or related medical conditions.
“Having this act become law is such a great benefit to pregnant workers everywhere,” said Weaver. “Now we can require employers to make accommodations, such as having a chair to sit on or being put on light duty.”
Weaver went on to note that not only will this act improve working conditions, it will also improve health outcomes.
“It makes for healthier pregnancies and healthier babies,” she said.
Casey, who authored and sponsored the act, spoke on the importance of remaining steadfast when embarking on vital legislative fights.
“I’m grateful for those who helped us take this long journey – 10 years – to reach a point where we had bipartisan consensus in the U.S. Senate,” Casey said. “It enshrines into law a principle which has been exercised by so many employers already, including unions and small employers.”
Click here to learn more about the Pregnant Workers Fairness Act.