The Complaint That Sparked the Case
The dispute began in 2023, when the Berkeley employee filed a discrimination charge alleging that she was fired after seeking pregnancy-related accommodations such as reduced standing time, lifting restrictions, and avoiding heat exposure.
Despite providing medical documentation to support her requests, the worker claimed her managers denied accommodations and instead targeted her for minor policy violations. According to the CRD, she was investigated and ultimately terminated for forgetting to clock in for a shift — even though other employees who committed similar infractions were not fired.
California’s Strong Protections for Pregnant Workers
CRD Director Kevin Kish underscored the state’s commitment to protecting expectant employees, stating:
“In California, we have strong laws to ensure pregnant workers do not face impossible choices between their safety and their ability to earn a living. All Californians have the right to reasonable pregnancy-related accommodations, whether it’s more frequent breaks or limits on heavy lifting.”
The CRD said the case serves as a reminder to employers across the state that pregnancy accommodations are not optional, and retaliation for requesting them can constitute a serious legal violation.
