As you may already be aware, the final regulations implementing the Pregnant Workers Fairness Act (PWFA) officially came into effect on June 18, 2024, following the publication of the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission’s (EEOC) final rules on June 10th, 2024. These regulations extend significant rights not only to pregnant individuals but also to those with related physical and mental conditions related to pregnancy.
To assist you in navigating these new requirements, we are reaching out to offer our support and guidance. It’s important to note that while some compliance measures, such as accommodating basic needs like water breaks and restroom use, are straightforward, others demand careful attention and consideration from employers.
Key areas of focus include:
- Requests related to various physical or mental conditions associated with pregnancy, including menstruation, contraception use, infertility treatments, pregnancy-related illnesses, and issues related to lactation.
- Requests from employees unable to perform essential job functions for up to 40 weeks, necessitating accommodation under the PWFA.
- Given the comprehensive scope of these regulations, we anticipate potential legal challenges ahead. Notably, the PWFA’s enforceability against certain entities, such as the State of Texas and its agencies, remains subject to ongoing legal developments.
In preparation, we recommend the following proactive steps to mitigate legal risks:
- Update policies and procedures to establish a clear process for employees to request accommodations based on covered limitations.
- Provide comprehensive training to Human Resources departments, supervisors, and managers on the broad implications of the PWFA.
- Maintain thorough documentation of the interactive process engaged with covered employees and applicants.
- Seek professional consultation before denying any accommodation requests.
Our firm is dedicated to supporting you throughout this transition. Please feel free to contact us for tailored guidance or assistance as you adapt to these new regulations. We look forward to continuing to serve as your trusted partner in compliance and HR matters.