Mae Flexer

Flexer Leads Passage of Strengthened Workplace Protections for Pregnant Women

State Senator Mae Flexer (D-Danielson) Tuesday led final passage of legislative passage of a bill strengthening workplace protections for pregnant women.

H.B. 6668, An Act Concerning Pregnant Women In The Workplace, passed the Senate on a unanimous, bipartisan vote. It earlier passed the State House of Representatives in a vote of 120 to 30.

The bill strengthens current protections for pregnant women under the state’s anti-discrimination law. Under the legislation, employers would be required to make reasonable accommodations for pregnant employees, such as being allowed to sit while working or taking more frequent breaks.

It would also prohibit limiting or segregating an employee in a way that would deny her employment opportunities due to her pregnancy and forcing a pregnant employee to accept an accommodation if she does not need one.

“It’s unfortunate that in 2017 women, who make up nearly 50 percent of the workforce in Connecticut, are still not treated equally in the workplace. We have seen time and again how pregnancy has led to discrimination which has a negative impact on women’s careers, including our pay and opportunities for advancement, and it is imperative that we strengthen protections for women to combat this type of unfair treatment that has serious socioeconomic ramifications,” said Sen. Flexer.

The legislation was initially introduced by Sen. Flexer and State Representatives Robyn Porter, Kelly Luxenberg, Cristin McCarthy Vahey, Liz Linehan, Christine Conley and Caroline Simmons as part of a comprehensive package of women’s health bills.

Eighteen other states have enacted similar legislation with bipartisan support strengthening workplace protections for pregnant women.