Employee Was Fired After She Started Fertility Treatments and Became Pregnant
Step Three, Ltd. will pay $60,000 to settle claims that it discriminated against an employee because of her fertility treatments and eventual pregnancy. The company operates retail stores at resorts.
According to the complaint, a female employee told her employer that she was beginning treatments for infertility. A company official allegedly made offensive comments about her intended treatment.
When the employee became pregnant and informed her supervisor that she had travel restrictions, she was fired.
The Pregnancy Discrimination Act (PDA) prohibits employers from discriminating against women because they are pregnant, intend to become pregnant or suffer from a pregnancy-related medical condition. The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) prohibits employers from discriminating against women due to a pregnancy-related disability.
The settlement requires the employer to pay $60,000 to the former employee and provide her with a neutral reference. The employer also must hire a consultant to ensure compliance with non-discrimination laws, provide training for staff, and hold supervisors accountable for discrimination, harassment, or retaliation in the workplace.
If you have been discharged or treated differently at work because of a pregnancy or pregnancy-related medical condition, then you should consult with an experienced employment lawyer immediately. Your lawyer will listen to you, help you understand your rights, and help you develop a strategy to protect yourself and your family.
To arrange a free and confidential consultation, call The Howley Law Firm at (212) 601-2728.
