Mayor Bloomberg Signs Legislation Requiring Employers to Provide Reasonable Accommodation for Pregnant Employees

October 2, 2013

Remarks by Mayor Michael R. Bloomberg at a Public Hearing on Local Laws

“The final bill before me today is Introductory Number 974-A, sponsored by Council Members, Vacca, Lander, Palma, Rose, Lappin, Arroyo, Brewer, Chin, Eugene, Ferreras Gentile, Jackson, James, Koo, Koppell, Koslowitz, Mendez, Reyna, Riviera, Williams, Rodriguez, Mark-Viverito, Crowley, Gonzalez, Levin, Van Bramer, Weprin, Garodnick, Barron, Gennaro, Greenfield, Mealy and Ulrich.

“This bill requires employers to provide a reasonable accommodation to the needs of an employee for her pregnancy, childbirth, or related medical condition that will allow the employee to perform the essential duties of the job. A “reasonable accommodation” for this purpose is an accommodation that can be made without causing undue hardship in the conduct of the employer’s business. Aggrieved employees can seek relief in court or through the City’s Commission on Human Rights.

“In addition, this bill requires the Commission on Human Rights to create a written notice regarding employees’ rights related to pregnancy, for employers to post in the workplace.

“I would like to thank Commissioner Patricia Gatling from the Commission on Human Rights and my Office of City Legislative Affairs from their work on this bill. I would also like to thank the City Council for approving this legislation.”

Contact: Marc LaVorgna/Evelyn Erskine (212) 788-2958