and modest accommodation. Nationally, the Pregnant Workers Fairness Act was introduced in Congress in 2012, but no further action has been taken since. The Massachusetts PWFA will amend Section 4 of the General Law of Massachusetts and is being co-sponsored by Rep. Ellen Story (D-Amherst), Rep. David Rogers (D-Cambridge) and Sen. Joan Lovely (D-Salem). “Accommodating pregnant workers is fair and just, and it makes sense economically, socially, and healthwise,” Lovely said. “We need to protect all of our workers.” “This should make sense to businesses,” Mother Woman’s Friedman added. “Over half the workforce are women and how many of them are pregnant in any given year? Any time they have to train a new employee that is costly. This also has bearing on their health insurance rates — a healthy pregnancy is far less expensive.” Small business owner Dean Cycon, owner of Dean’s Beans in Orange, agreed: “When a recent employee was pregnant we ensured that she had an opportunity to sit as needed, to have water and bathroom breaks and not to need to lift heavy packages during her last trimester. This was a no-brainer to us. She's our employee and we wanted to ensure her commitment and health
while employed at Dean's Beans. This is the decent thing to do for our employees. It also makes good business sense.” This act would specifically require employers to make “reasonable accommodations” such as providing stools, bathroom breaks, assistance with manual labor, modified work schedules, and private non-bathroom space for expressing milk. The employer would be required to prove that any accommodations would be an undue hardship for the business. Only businesses with more than 15 employees will be affected. Many see employers benefitting not only from reduced turnover from pregnant workers but also the loyalty of non-pregnant employees. This act will ensure that all workers are treated fairly. More families are depending on the income of both parents and advocates say no woman should have to choose between a healthy pregnancy and her job, a decision Makenna had to make: “My child and my health were just more important than my job and I had to quit.” To keep up with the latest news on the Massachusetts PWFA’s legislative progress, visit baystateparent.com. * Name changed by request
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