Pursuant to the Ontario Human Rights Code (the “Code”), an employer has the duty to accommodate their pregnant employees to the point of undue hardship. While every individual will have unique needs, some examples of reasonable accommodation include, but are not limited to, the following:
- Shift changes/flexible hours to accommodate for symptoms such as morning sickness;
- Modified duties to reduce or eliminate physically strenuous tasks;
- Frequent short breaks or extra washroom breaks;
- Time off for pregnancy-related appointments;
- Preferred parking;
- Uniform alterations; and/or
- Leave, or leave extension as long as it is consistent with existing leave provisions.
If you have any further inquiries relating to accommodations that may be requested of your employer while pregnant, or are seeking legal advice in the event of a conflict, please contact Toronto employment lawyers, Sultan Lawyers at 416-214-5111 or via email to khayward@sultanlawyers.com.