The U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) has unveiled draft regulations and guidance pertaining to the new federal Pregnant Workers Fairness Act (PWFA). This update shed light on noteworthy inclusions that employers, especially those from significant corporations and law firms, should be mindful of. The draft regulations and guidance are expected to be published on August 11, 2023. Interestingly, the EEOC is permitted employers a 60-day period after this date to submit their comments for consideration.
The PWFA, designed to prevent workplace discrimination against pregnant workers, has been the focus of the EEOC recently. The newly-drafted rules reveal a refined interpretation of the Act and further outline employer obligations under the law.
With these imminent changes, legal professionals ought to review the draft regulations and recognize the potential implications these changes could present to their corporate or firm policies. As scheduled, the EEOC will allow the drafted regulations to be open for public comment until October 10, 2023. This period of scrutiny provides employers an ample opportunity to voice their views and offer feedback which in turn can influence the final rules.
For a nuanced understanding of the draft regulations and to participate in the public comment process, legal professionals and corporations can access the publication by EEOC here: EOCC Drafts Rules on Pregnant Workers Fairness Act”. As law professionals, your active engagement in this process could help shape the regulations and impacts how the PWFA is ultimately interpreted and implemented.