Working in a bar or a restaurant is tough work. For women who work in this field, harassment is not uncommon, and neither is discrimination. One type of discrimination that can affect women who are working in the restaurant and bar industry is pregnancy discrimination. Pregnancy discrimination occurs when a pregnant woman is denied opportunities, treated unfairly, harassed, or wrongfully denied leave because she is pregnant. Pregnancy discrimination is against the law, and a woman who has been discriminated against based on her pregnancy status has certain legal rights. At the law office of McOmber McOmber & Luber, P.C., our pregnancy discrimination attorneys can represent you if you have experienced discrimination in the bar or restaurant industry. Call us today to learn more about how we can help.
Types of Pregnancy Discrimination in Bars and Restaurants
Women in the bar and restaurant industry may be the victims of various forms of discrimination if they become pregnant. Examples of discrimination include, but are not limited to:
- Firing a woman or forcing her to go on early maternity leave once she “starts to show”;
- Refusing to allow a woman to take leave that she is entitled to under the law;
- Failing to make reasonable accommodations for a pregnant woman, such as allowing breaks to go to the bathroom, rest, or get a drink of water;
- Treating a pregnant woman differently than another employee with a temporary disability would be treated;
- Demoting an employee or reassigning them tasks; and
- Refusing to hire a woman because she is pregnant.
The above list is by no means inclusive; there are other forms of discrimination that may not be listed above. Additionally, harassment is a form of discrimination when it is severe or pervasive enough to create a hostile work environment.
Your Rights if You are a Victim of Pregnancy Discrimination in a Bar or Restaurant
If you are a victim of pregnancy discrimination in a bar or restaurant, you have the right to file a complaint without being retaliated against; if your employer retaliates against you for filing a complaint, they are breaking the law.
If the department responsible for investigating your complaint of discrimination (either the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) or the New Jersey Division on Civil Rights (DRC)) determines that discrimination did in fact occur, you are entitled to certain recompense. Types of compensation that you may be eligible for include back pay, front pay, reinstatement to your original position, hiring, a promotion, compensatory damages, and punitive damages in some cases. Our law firm can help you to build your case, file your complaint, and we will represent you throughout the process.
Call Our New Jersey Discrimination Lawyers Today
If you have been discriminated against in the workplace, our New Jersey pregnancy discrimination lawyers want you to know that we are here for you. We know how serious discrimination is, and we will make sure that acts of discrimination do not go unnoticed. For help with your pregnancy discrimination in a bar or restaurant claim, please call us directly today or send us a message. We offer free consultations.