NC H546

Enacts the Pregnant Workers' Fairness Act, creating Article 24 of Chapter 95 of the General Statutes to prohibit discrimination against employees based on pregnancy, childbirth, or related conditions including lactation.

Requires employers to provide reasonable accommodations for known pregnancy-related limitations unless accommodation would impose undue hardship, including breaks, rest periods, light duty assignments, modified schedules, and time off to recover from childbirth.

Prohibits employers, employment agencies, and labor organizations from discriminating in hiring, discharge, compensation, training programs, or apprenticeships based on pregnancy, and protects employees from retaliation for reporting violations.

Requires employers to post notices of pregnancy discrimination protections at worksites and provide individual notice to new employees at hire, existing employees within 120 days of enactment, and employees who report pregnancy within 10 days.

Allows employees to bring civil action within one year of alleged violations to recover lost wages, obtain reinstatement, secure employment offers, and recover reasonable court costs and attorney's fees.