Congressman Cohen Questions Witnesses at Hearing on Pregnant Workers’ Fairness Act
Raises issue of paid versus un-paid leave when used as an “undue hardship” accommodation
WASHINGTON – Congressman Steve Cohen (TN-09) questioned witnesses today at an Education and Labor Subcommittee on Civil Rights and Human Services hearing titled "Long Overdue: Exploring the Pregnant Workers' Fairness Act (H.R. 2694)." In his questioning, Congressman Cohen asked about accommodating pregnant women by employers offering them leave and also raised questions about the conditions for pregnant women at the XPO Logistics warehouse in Memphis.
Congressman Cohen raised the experience of Tasha Murrell, a Memphis XPO employee who suffered a miscarriage as a result of being denied accommodations of her pregnancy. Congressman Cohen asked how the Pregnant Workers Fairness Act would protect women from suffering similar outcomes. See the entire exchange with witnesses here.
The Congressman made the following statement:
"The workers who have experienced discrimination and loss as a result of negligent employers highlight the need for the Pregnant Workers Fairness Act to protect expecting mothers. I was deeply disturbed by the stories of XPO workers in Memphis and am proud to support this meaningful legislation."
###