Home · World · Sep 8 archive
Amazon Faces Class-Action Suit Over Alleged Discrimination Against Pregnant Workers
Confirmed
In Short: Amazon is facing a nationwide class-action lawsuit for allegedly firing or retaliating against pregnant employees who sought accommodations such as chairs and bathroom breaks.
Amazon is facing a nationwide class-action lawsuit for allegedly firing or retaliating against pregnant employees who sought accommodations such as chairs and bathroom breaks, according to a complaint filed Tuesday.
The lawsuit claims that Amazon required unnecessary medical documentation for every accommodation request, often resulting in denials or delays for basic needs.
Amazon reportedly uses handheld scanners to monitor workers' activities, including time spent in lactation rooms, which plaintiffs argue is intrusive and discriminatory.
In response, Amazon stated that it provides accommodations on an individualized basis and follows federal law, including the Pregnancy Workers Fairness Act.
What's still developing
- Once that time is exhausted, workers can receive termination warnings and ultimately be fired, according to the complaint.
- "Ensuring the health and well-being of our employees is one of our greatest responsibilities, and we strive to provide a safe and supportive environment for everyone, which includes supporting tens of thousands of employees with pregnancy accommodations each year," Nantel told FOX Business.
- The company said accommodations are provided on an individualized basis, adding that the approach is consistent with federal law.
- According to the lawsuit, plaintiff Willamina Barclay had a high-risk pregnancy with preeclampsia and severe morning sickness but was denied a seated position.
- Amazon allegedly delayed her request for weeks while waiting for paperwork, with one manager reportedly saying, "If I give you a chair, I have to give everybody else a chair," the suit said.
- The company then deducted her approved extra breaks and time spent in the emergency room from her unpaid time off (UPT), according to the complaint.
- Plaintiff Kristina Green, who was at risk of preeclampsia, was also denied additional accommodations after a two-month delay, according to the lawsuit.
- Her UPT was drained during unpaid maternity leave and while taking lactation breaks, the complaint said.