Peggy Young, a newly pregnant worker for UPS, has taken her case to court after she did not receive a working restriction for her pregnancy. As stated in the UPS policy, workers must supply employers with a doctor’s note if they cannot perform the tasks of their job. Most workers request light duty if they become injured or ill while working. Light duty is not provided for pregnant workers.
A UPS heath manager claimed she followed the protocol associated with light duty, stating, “she would have allowed Young to return to work if Young could provide a medical certification removing her lifting restriction and stating she could perform the essential functions of her job.” Young was also told that she is too much of a liability while being pregnant. She took unpaid leave for the remainder of her pregnancy.
A complaint has since been filed with the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission, but The District Court and the Fourth Circuit Court of Appeals agree that UPS is not required to accommodate Young since she does not meet the requirements of light duty.
Maryland has begun creating legislation that would help women remain employed if they became pregnant. Lawmakers state they do not want to create special treatment, but want women to be treated in the same way as those who receive light duty for on-the-job injuries and illnesses.
