Ending Discrimination
Supreme Court backs teachers and reaffirms pregnancy leave rights
November 14, 2014
The Canadian Labour Congress is applauding a Supreme Court of Canada decision reaffirming that employment benefits for women who give birth are separate and distinct from parental leave benefits.
The unanimous decision, delivered Wednesday immediately following closing arguments, agreed with the BC Teachers Federation (BCTF) that denying parental benefits to birth mothers, because they received pregnancy benefits, was discriminatory.
“This is an enormous victory, not just for teachers, but for all working women who are pregnant or who may become pregnant,” said CLC president Hassan Yussuff.
“We congratulate the BCTF for forcing this recognition of the unique needs of pregnant women,” he added.
