LOS ANGELES — The U.S. Equal Opportunity Commission (EEOC) has reached a $82,500 settlement with a Los Angeles restaurant and jazz nightclub for allegations it denied working hours to pregnant employees.
The EEOC alleged that LA Louisanne, Inc., violated Title VII of the 1964 Civil Rights Act when it reduced the working hours for servers during their pregnancies and even removed one of the employees from the entire work schedule after learning she was pregnant. According to the EEOC, LA Louisanne also denied the employee to return to work after giving birth.
"Stereotypes regarding pregnant employees still persist, particularly in the food industry," EEOC Los Angeles District regional attorney Anna Park said in a statement. "We commend LA Louisanne for taking the necessary steps to create a more inclusive work environment for expectant employees."
The settlement includes $82,500 in monetary relief and the establishment of a class fund, an external EEO monitor to review LA Louisanne's policies as well as discrimination and harassment training for all LA Louisanne employees.