Is it employment discrimination if I lost my job because of my pregnancy?
Question Details:
I was offered a job on Wednesday. I found out Thursday that I am pregnant so I informed my new employer. On Friday she called to tell me she was no longer hiring me because of my pregnancy. She is a small convenient store owner and the position was for a cashier.
Employment and Labor Law Answers
It may be illegal employment discrimination: federal law (and the law of many states as well) prohibits discriminating against women on the basis of pregnancy. There are some occasions when "discrimination" is legal--for example, if the job involves heavy lifting, handling chemicals or drugs, or radiation, so that it would be hazardous to the woman or her baby. However, that does not appear to be the case from what your write; it is difficult to see how a pregnant woman could not be a cashier.
You could file a complaint with your state labor department or human rights commission, or discuss possibly bringing a lawsuit with a local employment law attorney. Good luck.
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