TRENTON, N.J. (Legal Newsline) — New Jersey Attorney General Christopher Porrino and the Division on Civil Rights announced Aug. 29 that a baking company in New Jersey will pay $60,000 to a former employee after it allegedly committed pregnancy discrimination.
Omni Baking Company of Bellmawr and Vineland purportedly fired former receptionist Ashley Ruiz-Lopez after she gave birth and told the company she needed to remain out for eight weeks because of a medically documented need.
Omni Baking's alleged conduct violated the New Jersey Family Leave Act (NJFLA) and the New Jersey Law Against Discrimination (LAD). In addition to a monetary payment to Ruiz-Lopez, the company will pay $10,000 in civil penalties to the Division on Civil Rights.
“This case involves an important issue – one that matters not only to women in the workforce, but to entire families and to employers as well,” Porrino said. “The fact is that our state and federal laws protect pregnancy, and employers need to make certain their policies, management training, and handling of situations involving pregnant workers reflect a full understanding of employee rights under those laws.”