Did UPS Break the Law by Refusing To Accommodate a Pregnant Worker?

The U.S. Supreme Court is hearing oral arguments in a case that will affect the health and economic security of women and families across the nation.

Peggy Young worked for United Parcel Service in Maryland as an air driver, a job that requires lifting packages as heavy as 70 lbs. When Young's health care providers recommended that, because of her pregnancy, she seek accommodations restricting lifting to a maximum of 20 lbs., UPS not only objected, it took her job away.

Instead of offering her light duty like others with physical restrictions, the corporation informed Peggy she did not qualify for light duty. Furthermore, she was told she could not continue in her air driver job, was put on unpaid leave and lost her medical benefits for the remainder of her pregnancy – when she needed them the most.

Peggy sued UPS and the case is now before the Supreme Court. On Wednesday, the first day of the court hearing, CWA joined a coalition of women and family groups to #StandWithPeggy in a day of action. Young's case is also drawing strange bedfellows such as Right to Choose and Anti-Abortion groups that are rallying to her support.