Williams Law Firm founder, Holly Williams provided insight to Texas Lawyer about the ruling of an independent arbitrator that PermiaCare discriminated against and harassed her client, pregnant employee Jacqueline Tarango, marking the first known damages award under the federal Pregnant Workers Fairness Act (PWFA).  The Act mandates reasonable workplace accommodations for pregnancy, childbirth, or related medical conditions.  

The case highlights the impact of mandatory arbitration agreements, as the dispute was settled outside of a traditional jury trial. Williams noted that this decision brings necessary accountability and addresses crucial gaps in workplace protection for pregnant workers.  

“Legal experts say this is the first case where damages were awarded under the Pregnant Workers Fairness Act, a federal law that took effect in 2023.” 

Read the full story here.