Effective January 1, 2020, Oregon law requires employers with six or more employees to make reasonable accommodations for known limitations related to pregnancy, childbirth, or a related medical condition, such as lactation, unless the accommodation would cause an undue hardship. An employer’s accommodation obligations extend beyond those already required by the federal Americans with Disabilities Act and Pregnancy Disability Act, as an employee may be entitled to accommodations even if the employee’s limitations do not rise to the level of a disability or temporary disability.
The new law requires employers to post a notice in a conspicuous and accessible workplace location informing employees of the employment protections under the new Oregon law. In addition to posting the sign, a written copy of the notice must be provided to (1) existing employees (by no later than June 29, 2020); (2) new employees at the time of hire; and (3) employees who inform their employer of their pregnancy, within 10 days after the employer receives the information.
The Oregon Bureau of Labor and Industries just released a template notice (available here as Word .docx download). Employers can, but are not required to, adopt the template notice. We recommend that employers work with their counsel to modify the template policy to best suit their workplace.