HAGÅTÑA, GUAM — The Guam Department of Labor says it is moving forward with implementation of the Pregnant Workers Fairness Act following the governor’s signing of the measure into law, a move that will require employers to provide reasonable accommodations for pregnant workers and new parents.
The new law, sponsored by Senator Telo Taitague, applies to employers with 15 or more employees and requires them to provide reasonable accommodations for pregnancy, childbirth, and related medical conditions unless doing so would create an undue hardship.
The law also sets timelines and procedures for filing and investigating complaints and allows the Guam Department of Labor to request information and inspect worksites as part of enforcement.
GDOL Director David Dell’Isola said the department has been preparing rules and regulations to support implementation of the law and assist both employers and workers.
“GDOL has been working diligently since the Pregnant Workers Fairness Act was enacted to develop comprehensive rules and regulations that are clear, fair, and practical for both employers and workers. We are fully prepared to implement this law effectively and to support Guam’s businesses and workforce as they navigate these important protections,” Dell’Isola said.
The law also requires employers to post an official notice of worker rights in a visible location, establishes monetary fines and possible mandatory training, and provides an appeal process for employers to contest citations before penalties become final.
GDOL said it is preparing an updated consolidated workplace poster that will include all required labor law notices in a single format.
