Can I be forced to drop from a welding class because I'm pregnant?
Question Details: I enrolled in a 3 month welding training course with a local union. Prior to starting this course I learned I was pregnant. I consulted with my OB was told as long as I had proper ventilation and used a mask there should be no problem. We are now 2 months into the course; graduation is in aboout 4 weeks; I am 5 months pregnant. It was recently brought to the attention of some of the instructors. I received a call from the apprenticeship director saying that he would like me to volunteer to drop from the course due to my pregnancy. That he not only thought it unhealthy but a waste of the unions time and money.
Four weeks is not long to go for graduation. You should take some steps to make sure your rights are protected and to document what has happened this far. You may want to consider speaking to the local union's grievance representative. In any event, you should not volunteer to drop from the course, nor should you feel pressured to do so. You should also check the labor union contract for your rights. This document contains procedures for internal grievances, which would usually have to be exhausted before any legal action could be taken.
