California Employment Lawyers Representing Pregnant Workers
Pregnant workers enjoy broad protections in the California workplace. Employers cannot refuse to hire you, fire you, or take any adverse actions against you because you are pregnant. In addition, you have a right to take time off during your pregnancy if necessary for health reasons. You also have a right to take time off after your delivery to bond with your new baby.
I'm San Francisco employment law attorney Stephen M. Murphy. I represent women in the Bay Area of Northern California who have been denied their right to take pregnancy or maternity leave by their employers. I also represent women who have been refused employment or fired from their jobs after telling their employers they were pregnant.
When Can I Take Pregnancy Leave?
In California, pregnancy may be considered a disability under the Fair Employment and Housing Act (FEHA). You can take up to four months off during your pregnancy to deal with severe morning sickness, cramping, depression and other serious health issues. Your time off does not have to be consecutive.
When Can I Take Maternity Leave?
The Family and Medical Leave Act provides up to 12 weeks of unpaid leave to bond with your new baby. Your time off work does not need to be consecutive. While not required to, some employers may provide paid maternity leave.
If your employer provides six weeks of paid maternity leave, you can take six weeks of paid leave under your employer plan and up to six more weeks of unpaid leave under the FMLA, for a total of 12 weeks.
Free Attorney Consultation
For more information about pregnancy leave or to consult our San Francisco pregnancy leave attorneys, call 415-986-1338, or fill out the contact form on this website.