What Can You Do If Your Boss Is Discriminating Against You Because You Are Pregnant?

When you learn you are having a baby and tell your boss about it, you may not expect to be treated any differently as long as you continue to perform well at work. However, as time passes, you might start to notice that your boss tries to change the scope of your duties or put you in a less prominent position with clients. You may not be given a promotion you were promised. It may dawn on you that you're being discriminated against because of your pregnancy, but you might not know what to do next. Here's what you should do next.

1. Take Notes

Every time that something happens where you suspect you're being treated differently than other employees, write it down. Anytime your boss makes a remark about how you can't handle certain work projects or gives projects of yours to someone else for seemingly no reason, write it down and make sure you add the date to your notes. If you ultimately decide to take things further, having specific examples of what was said and done can be helpful to back up what you say.

2. Talk to Human Resources

When you finally make a decision to report your boss's behavior to someone, your first stop should not be to other employees, but to the human resources department within your company. Different companies have different ways of handling discrimination claims, but you might want to type up a written statement that contains information from your notes about how you have been treated. The human resources department should investigate by talking to your boss and others.

At this point, you might start to feel afraid that you could lose your job. In most cases, that will not happen. There are laws that offer you protection as someone who has been unfairly targeted.

3. Go to the Local EEOC

If things don't change as a result of your visit to the human resources department, you can head to the local chapter of the EEOC (Equal Employment Opportunity Commission). You can't skip the HR department and go to the EEOC, as they generally require that you have already tried taking action within the company before getting involved. If the EEOC finds that you have grounds for a complaint, they will begin their own investigation on your behalf. If they can see clear evidence that you're telling the truth, they can help you to resolve the problem or even file suit on your behalf.

4. Sue Your Boss and/or Your Company

The EEOC's investigation may turn up nothing concrete in its investigation. In that case, your last option is to sue your boss and/or your company. You'll need to retain the services of a discrimination attorney so you can build a strong case that can win.


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