SAN DIEGO (Legal Newsline) — The Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) announced a lawsuit Feb. 13 against Maurizio’s Trattoria Italiana LLC, a San Diego restaurant, for allegations of firing a female employee because of her pregnancy.
"Pregnancy discrimination remains an ongoing problem in our nation's workplaces," said Anna Park, regional attorney for the EEOC's Los Angeles District, in a statement. "Employers are encouraged to evaluate their obligations under Title VII relating to employees who are pregnant."
The EEOC said the restaurant gave an employee fewer hours of work after she notified them that she was pregnant. The EEOC also alleges Maurizio’s failed to return the employee to the work schedule after she gave birth and eventually fired her. Alleged conduct of this nature violates Title VII of the 1964 Civil Rights Act.
"Women should not have to choose between their job or having children, said Christopher Green, director of the EEOC's San Diego local office, in a statement. “Employers need to be aware the EEOC takes pregnancy discrimination seriously and will continue to protect the rights of pregnant employees."
The EEOC seeks back pay and compensatory and punitive damages for the female employee, as well as injunctive relief to bar Maurizio’s from future discrimination.