The Irish Congress of Trade Unions has begun a campaign to highlight discrimination in the workplace against women who become pregnant.
ICTU called on the Government to take immediate action to protect the maternity rights of women workers.
Amongst other changes, ICTU called for the introduction of "fast-track" procedures to deal with complaints related to maternity issues, the removal of the existing statutory limits on levels of compensation, and on-the-spot fines for employers who fail to meet health and safety regulations as they relate to pregnant women.
It is also seeking the introduction of a national information campaign and the publication of a guide to maternity rights and protection legislation. It also requested the development a Maternity Rights Desk hotline and web page as a resource for employees.
Citing reports by the Equality Authority on cases of discrimination, ICTU said pregnancy-related discrimination was more likely to occur where the employee did not have the protection of union membership.
The unions' umbrella body said pregnancy discrimination is against the law, but "does not have to be suffered in silence". ICTU has opened a comment area on its website to allow women to tell of their experiences.
The Crisis Pregnancy Agency has also opened a text and web-based service to provide information on agencies who assist women with unplanned pregnancies. The information is available at www.positiveoptions.ie