On October 1, 2017, the Act Concerning Pregnant Women in the Workplace takes effect in Connecticut. The Act expanded the definition of pregnancy to include lactation, redefines reasonable accommodations for pregnant workers, and grants many other additional protections to pregnant workers.
A key piece of the Act requires employers to give written notice of the right to be free from discrimination in relation to pregnancy, childbirth and related conditions. The notice addresses the right to a reasonable accommodation to the known limitations related to pregnancy and must be provided to: (1) any new employee at the commencement of employment; (2) existing employees within 120 days of October 1, 2017 and (3) any employee who notifies the employer of pregnancy within 10 days of such notification.
An employer can satisfy this notice requirement by displaying a poster in a conspicuous place, accessible to employees, at the employer’s place of business that contains the information in both English and Spanish. The notice in English can be found here: http://www.ctdol.state.ct.us/gendocs/Pregnancy%20Disability%20Poster.pdf. The notice in Spanish can be found here: http://www.ctdol.state.ct.us/gendocs/Pregnancy%20Disability%20Poster%20Spanish.pdf.
Employers should review their handbooks to ensure it complies with this new Act and update their poster to comply with the notice requirement.
Brody and Associates regularly provides counsel on civil rights issues and employment laws in general. If we can be of assistance in this area, please contact us at info@brodyandassociates.com or 203.454.0560.
