Peggy
Young, a former UPS driver sued UPS for pregnancy discrimination after they
refused to make accommodations to her work responsibilities per her doctor’s
orders. UPS stipulated the ability to lift 70 pounds, but she was unable to
safely complete the task based on her medical situation. Her doctor instructed
she lift no more than 20 pounds in her current state. ”According to Young’s Supreme Court petition, her manager told
her that UPS offered light duty to workers who sustained on-the-job injuries,
employees with ailments covered by the Americans With Disabilities Act, and
those who had lost Department of Transportation certification because of
physical ailments like sleep apnea; not to pregnant workers.” (Zillman, 2015)
After
Young sued, UPS amended their policy
for
workers who are pregnant. They now offer “temporary” light duty for pregnant
workers who require special adjustments to their work responsibilities. Beginning
in 2008, the case remained active and wasn’t resolved for seven years.
In our democratic system of government, my core American values are aligned with
Peggy Young. I agree that pregnant women should be allowed temporary
modifications in their work life, as should any employee with a disability of
some degree. No woman should have to choose between having a child and having a
job. It should be a woman’s natural
right to not be penalized for choosing the have a family.
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