In legislative-related news, Bill 297, otherwise known as the pregnant worker’s fairness act has been moved to the third reading file for voting.
PNC’s Damen Michael has the story.
Last week lawmakers held a legislative regular session to talk about Bill 297 – 36 or the pregnant worker’s fairness act.
According to the bill, the measure looks to eliminate discrimination and promote women’s health and economic security by ensuring reasonable workplace accommodations for workers whose ability to perform the function of their job is limited by pregnancy, childbirth, or related medical conditions.
Multiple lawmakers during the session spoke up in support of the bill, saying how important it is for the working women of our island.
Senator Clynt Ridgel said it is important that they do what they can to protect the women who are pregnant, as well as make sure that employers are making reasonable accommodations.
Vice Speaker Tina Muna Barnes says,
“No woman should have to choose between a job and her pregnancy, but for too many women, this is a choice they have to make. Women need to feel empowered to make decisions related to their pregnancy, and the Pregnant Workers Fairness Act sets a clear standard for businesses to provide the temporary job modifications needed to maintain a healthy pregnancy,”
Barnes added, “workers’ health and safety is nonnegotiable and we need to make it a priority for everyone, especially for our expected and new mothers. ”
Reporting for the Pacific News Centre
I’m Damen Michael
