A necessary change in the law

In light of my on-going claim of pregnancy discrimination against a former employer, I found this to be interesting:


OHIO CIVIL RIGHTS COMMISSION PROPOSES CHANGE IN PREGNANCY DISCRIMINATION RULE

On Wednesday, August 1, the Ohio Civil Rights Commission (OCRC) held an administrative hearing on proposed changes to the provision of the Ohio Administrative Code addressing pregnancy discrimination in the workplace in an effort to clarify the rights of pregnant employees and the obligations of employers.
Both written and verbal testimony was submitted. The testimony is being compiled and will be provided to OCRC Commissioners before the revised rule is submitted to the Joint Committee on Administrative Rule Review (JCARR).

To view the proposed amendment, go here.

The Commission's reason for proposing the amendment:
The Commission recommends that this rule be amended in order to clarify the rights of pregnant employees and the obligations of employers. In summary, the proposed revision provides clear and unambiguous guidance on the issue of leave and states precisely how much leave—12 weeks—an employer needs to provide in order to avoid a finding that its pregnancy/maternity leave policy or practice has a disparate impact on the basis of pregnancy. The proposed revision also makes clear that a pregnant employee must be treated the same as other employees who are similar solely in their ability or inability to work, and that it is irrelevant whether a pregnant employee is also similar in all other material respects. [For more, go here].

Let me tell you, this proposed amendment need to be adopted. There are too many employers out there who think that they can freely discrminate against pregant women.

As far as my claim goes, my former employer's "response" to my claim was essentially that because I was part-time, I had no benefits and/or rights. Um, yeah....that law doesn't work that way. I had a right to take 6 weeks off - as I requested - and a right to NOT be replaced solely because I was pregnant.

I think (hope) that my case is close to being resolved. I will update as information comes in.