LOS ANGELES (Legal Newsline) — The U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) announced a lawsuit Sept. 12 against LA Louisanne Inc., a restaurant and jazz night club in Los Angeles, for allegations of discharging an employee because of her pregnancy.
"Pregnancy discrimination continues to be a persistent problem, even though it has been against federal law for nearly 40 years," said Anna Park, regional attorney for the EEOC's Los Angeles District. "Employers should be cognizant of their obligations under the law to maintain a workplace free of discrimination against employees who are expectant mothers."
According to the EEOC, a pregnant employee had her hours cut by the restaurant. After the employee gave birth, the restaurant allegedly refused to allow her to return to work. The EEOC alleges this employee is not the only one to have been discriminated against by the restaurant because of pregnancy.
"Women should not have to choose between their job or having children,” said Christopher Green, director of the EEOC's San Diego local office. “Employers need to be aware that the EEOC takes pregnancy discrimination seriously and the agency will continue to protect the rights of pregnant employees."
The EEOC seeks back pay and compensatory and punitive damages for the female employee and a class of similarly affected employees. EEOC also seeks injunctive relief to prevent the restaurant from committing similar discrimination in the future.