January 3, 2025 | JacobiJournal.com — Violating Pregnancy Leave Laws: Sanford Health, a leading medical clinic network, will pay $220,000 in back wages and damages after the Minnesota Department of Labor and Industry (DLI) found the company violated state laws related to pregnancy accommodations and parental leave. This settlement follows an investigation into Sanford’s practices during the 2023-2024 period.
Sanford’s Violations and the Settlement Agreement
On November 18, 2024, Sanford Health signed a consent order with DLI. The order requires Sanford to follow Minnesota’s Women’s Economic Security Act (WESA) at all its facilities. The investigation revealed that Sanford reduced a pregnant employee’s weekly hours from 40 to 32 after she requested a reasonable accommodation. Additionally, Sanford terminated the employee after she requested her right to take 12 weeks of parental leave.
As part of the agreement, Sanford will pay back wages, compensatory damages, and liquidated damages to the employee. Furthermore, the company faces a $40,000 civil penalty for willfully violating the law. An additional $160,000 in penalties will remain suspended as long as Sanford complies fully with the consent order. Violating Pregnancy Leave Laws
Commitment to Compliance and Future Action
This agreement underscores Sanford Health’s responsibility to comply with state laws on pregnancy accommodations and parental leave. DLI’s findings highlight the need to protect workers’ rights and ensure fair treatment. Sanford Health now has a set period to make necessary changes and prevent future violations.
For more details on the consent order, visit the official Minnesota Department of Labor and Industry.
FAQs: Violating Pregnancy Leave Laws
What does violating pregnancy leave laws mean?
It refers to employers denying or restricting legally protected rights for pregnancy accommodations or parental leave.
Why was Sanford Health fined for violating pregnancy leave laws?
Sanford reduced hours for a pregnant worker and later terminated her after she requested her right to parental leave.
What penalties apply for violating pregnancy leave laws in Minnesota?
Penalties can include back wages, damages, and civil fines, as shown in Sanford Health’s $220K settlement.
How can companies avoid violating pregnancy leave laws?
By ensuring compliance with state and federal protections, updating HR policies, and training managers to respect workers’ rights.
What laws protect pregnant employees?
Pregnant employees are protected under federal and state laws, including the federal Pregnancy Discrimination Act (PDA) and, in Minnesota, the Women’s Economic Security Act (WESA). These laws require employers to provide reasonable accommodations, prohibit discrimination due to pregnancy, and guarantee parental leave rights.
How are employees compensated if pregnancy leave laws are violated?
Employees may receive back wages, compensatory damages, liquidated damages, and civil penalties, depending on the severity of the violation and state regulations.
What steps can employers take to comply with pregnancy leave laws?
Employers should update HR policies, train managers on employee rights, provide reasonable accommodations, and ensure proper procedures for parental leave requests are in place.
Why do states enforce pregnancy leave protections?
States enforce these protections to safeguard workers’ rights, prevent discrimination, support economic security for pregnant employees, and maintain fair workplace practices.
What are the consequences for willfully violating pregnancy leave laws?
Employers may face civil fines, mandatory payments to affected employees, and additional penalties that can be suspended if they comply with court or consent orders.
How can employees report violations of pregnancy leave laws?
Employees can file complaints with state labor departments, human rights commissions, or the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) for investigations and enforcement actions.
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