In a recent New York Post story, a former Major League Baseball team’s executive claimed that she was fired for being pregnant and unwed. Leigh Castergine was the first woman senior vice president in the team’s 52 year history. Castergine claims that she was ostracized by the Mets co-owner, Jeff Wilpon for being pregnant and not married. She documented public humiliation as he repeatedly voiced his opposition to her pregnancy outside of wedlock be known in meetings with her and her all male colleagues.

Allegedly, she was told that she would make more money if she got engaged. Eventually, during an evaluation, Casergine was told she had lost her aggressive edge and that if she agreed to keep her mouth shut about the discrimination claims then she could remain employed thought the end of the season. When she had her attorney respond to the offer on her behalf, she was fired 3 within minutes thereafter.

Pregnancy Discrimination

It is unlawful to harass a woman because of pregnancy, childbirth, or a medical condition related to pregnancy or childbirth. Harassment is illegal when it is so frequent or severe that it creates a hostile or offensive work environment or when it results in an adverse employment decision (such as the victim being fired or demoted). The harasser can be the victim’s supervisor, a supervisor in another area, a co-worker, or someone who is not an employee of the employer, such as a client or customer.

Know the Company Policies

To prove that you are being treated differently because of your pregnancy, you must prove that your employer deviated from the standard company policy. Keep the lines of communication open. Pregnancy can change many things from the amount of bathroom breaks needed, to morning sickness accommodations and frequent doctor’s appointments. It is important that you know you the company policy that pertains to accommodating your pregnancy needs. On the flip side of this, knowing what the company policy is about pregnancy can help you determine if or when they deviate from the policy in actions towards you.

If you feel that you have been wrongfully terminated or treated differently because of your pregnancy, contact the Teal & Montgomery employment lawyers to evaluate your case. Call Santa Rosa Office: 707-525-1212 or Sacramento Office: 916-448-1010 for a free consultation today.