Protected Classes Group 4: Dylan Toomey, Jeff Cochran, Chris Downs, Frank King, Jess Parsons Pregnancy Age Military Status Discussion Topics/HR Issues

Pregnancy Discrimination Act (PDA) Enacted in 1978 as an amendment to title VII of the civil rights act Broadened sex discrimination to encompass: Pregnancy Childbirth Related medical conditions Cannot be used to discriminate in: Hiring Promotion Suspension Discharge Any other term of employment. Must be treated like any other person with disability

Pregnancy Discrimination Act Issues Difficult for small companies to grant sufficient leave time Number of women who keep working while pregnant is increasing Lawsuits for this have increased over the last 10 years Still significant pressure and stress on pregnant women in the workforce.

AGE Age Discrimination in Employment Act of ADEA - 29 U.S. Code Chapter 14 –Protects workers 40 years of age or older –Understands difficulty of finding a job as an older worker if displaced from current job. –Arbitrary Age limits –Ends the practice of mandatory retirement General Dynamics Land Systems Inc. V. Cline. –Retirement program exempt of current workers over 50 years old

MILITARY STATUS Uniformed Services Employment and Reemployment Rights Act - Title 38 –Protects workers jobs while on military leave Vietnam Era Veterans Readjustment Assistance Act of 1974 – VEVRAA – Title 38 –Priority of service for veterans in government jobs

Human Resource Issues Age Discrimination Cannot reduce health or life insurance for older employees Cannot discriminate against older employees when reducing workforce Cannot force early retirement of employee Exceptions: employee waives these rights in exchange for a severance package –Must be in writing and understandable –Advise employee in writing to seek counsel

Human Resource Issues Military Status Has higher impact on smaller companies No advanced notice of leave or return required to be given to employer Companies not required to pay employees when on leave Cannot deny employment based on reservist condition, document reason not hired. Cannot force employee to use vacation time Exception: If reservist is dishonorably discharged

Discussion Topics Does anyone think these protected classes are unreasonable? Why? Do you think its important that we protect these groups of people for the betterment of society? How do you think people in the protected classes feel about needing extra help and protection?

Questions?