United Parcel Service has agreed to settle a dispute accusing the company of discriminating against pregnant workers. The $2.25 million settlement will go to pregnant employees who were not properly compensated.
The U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) announced the deal after investigating a complaint that the world’s largest package delivery company was violating the Pregnancy Discrimination Act (PDA), which amended the 1964 Civil Rights Act.
UPS policy for ‘light duty’ failed to include pregnant workers
In 2015, UPS changed its policy to include pregnant employees. Before, it offered light-duty accommodations to injured workers, those with disabilities and some with driving restrictions. However, the company did not extend those duties to pregnant workers.
The company settled with a former pregnant driver who brought the original complaint, but the EEOC continued to investigate focusing on other pregnant workers who were also denied light-duty assignments. The agreement clarifies the company’s obligation to accommodate pregnant employees, regardless of whether they are in a union.
Settlement focuses on 2012 to 2014
The agreement will compensate other UPS workers who were similarly impacted between 2012 and 2014. The amounts are calculated as the difference between short-term disability payments they received and the amount they should have been paid if they had been able to work.
The EEOC is also giving other current or former workers who experienced the same treatment between 2012 and 2014 until Dec. 16, 2019, to contact the agency to seek compensation. Florida workers who experience discrimination over pregnancy or for any other reason can experience emotional and financial repercussions. An experienced attorney can help them receive the compensation they deserve.