Dec 18, 2014 By David Singer 2 min read

State Senator Matt Smith (D-Mt. Lebanon) has re-introduced a bill to ensure employers take care of pregnant workers. The Pregnant Workers Fairness Act (Senate Bill 40) would require employers to provide “reasonable accommodations in both duties and workplace conditions to pregnant employees with temporary pregnancy-related conditions.”

“The accommodations would have to have a physician’s backing so this wouldn’t lead to lawsuits or unfair practices, or someone trying to take advantage of a situation,” Smith said.

“Reasonable accommodations would be extra water breaks, providing chairs to sit down if a worker normally stands, or implementing lifting restrictions or requiring someone help a person lift heavy items,” he added.

Local governments like Pittsburgh City Council are considering similar bills, and the Supreme Court has before it a case of a UPS worker who was forced to go on unpaid maternity leave instead of taking a less strenuous job. Smith said he hopes the federal case is found in the worker’s favor, but state-level protections should be in place if that case is lost or if local governments fail to implement them.

“This is common-sense legislation. And I believe it’s something employers would be proud to have be part of their message to employees and prospective hires, in that they protect and care about working women and mothers.”

Smith said he’s optimistic with bi-partisan sponsorship the bill will get the attention it needs by introducing it at the beginning of a new legislative session with a new governor.