Pregnant Employees: Rights to Work Restrictions and Shorter Hours
A pregnant employee, to avoid risks, needs a certificate from the women's clinic detailing work restrictions. Her manager, following regulations like the German Maternity Protection Act, must then assign her express employment duties or face potential delays and salary implications.
The employee must submit the certificate to her manager, who is responsible for ensuring her safety at work. This manager, often the direct supervisor or employer, must comply with occupational health and safety regulations. If the manager delays in providing lighter work, the employee can refuse harmful tasks from the 11th day after submitting the document, and still receive her full average salary. This is in accordance with Article 254 of the Labor Code, which states that female employees must be assigned to lighter work if their duties pose health risks. Additionally, pregnant women have the right to a shorter workday, and employers cannot refuse this request.
In summary, a pregnant employee must obtain a certificate from the women's clinic detailing work restrictions. Her manager must then provide express employment duties or face potential delays and salary implications if they fail to comply with regulations. Pregnant women also have the right to a shorter workday.
