The U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission filed a lawsuit Tuesday against a Jacksonville, Florida, poker room, alleging BestBet violated the Pregnant Workers Fairness Act by refusing reasonable accommodations to pregnant employees. One worker suffered from low blood pressure causing dizziness and fainting, plus a subchorionic hematoma that risked pregnancy loss; her doctor's note requested two and a half weeks off, but the company denied the leave and blocked her return. The agency claims this reflects a pattern affecting multiple female employees denied support for pregnancy or childbirth-related needs.
Details of the EEOC Complaint
The suit, EEOC v. BestBet Jacksonville, Inc., centers on a charging party who informed human resources of her conditions and submitted medical documentation. Despite the doctor's recommendation for temporary leave, BestBet withheld approval and later refused her reinstatement. EEOC attorneys describe a broader class of aggrieved pregnant workers facing similar denials, underscoring repeated failures to address limitations tied to pregnancy.
Obligations Under the Pregnant Workers Fairness Act
Enacted in 2022 and effective from June 2023, the PWFA mandates employers provide reasonable accommodations for known limitations related to pregnancy, childbirth, or associated medical conditions, unless they impose undue hardship. Kristen Foslid, regional attorney for the EEOC Miami District Office, emphasized the need for interactive discussions with employees to identify workable solutions rather than outright rejections. This law closes gaps in prior protections, ensuring pregnant workers receive adjustments like modified duties or temporary leave.
Pattern of Recent PWFA Enforcement
The EEOC has pursued multiple cases this year, signaling vigorous oversight. A California staffing agency settled for $185,000 after claims it terminated pregnant workers since 2019. In February, an Oklahoma urological clinic resolved allegations of violating both the PWFA and Americans with Disabilities Act by denying sitting breaks to a high-risk pregnant medical assistant, imposing unpaid leave, and blocking postpartum pumping breaks. BestBet did not respond to requests for comment.
