Attorney General Kris Mayes has announced a resolution in the employment discrimination lawsuit against Precision Tool & Construction Supply, Inc. The Civil Rights Division of the Attorney General’s Office secured a Consent Decree following allegations that Precision violated the Arizona Civil Rights Act by suspending an employee without pay upon learning of her pregnancy.
Attorney General Mayes stated, “Pregnant women can be especially vulnerable to discrimination and firings in the workplace. Please know that my office will step in to enforce state laws that protect pregnant workers, and ensure their equal opportunity to work free from discrimination to support their families, when needed." She emphasized her commitment as "the first mom to serve as the Attorney General of Arizona" to protecting "the rights of pregnant Arizonans and their families."
The case began when a former employee accused Precision, based in Tucson, Arizona, of placing her on unpaid suspension after she disclosed her pregnancy. Testimony revealed that a co-owner admitted she would not have hired the employee had she known about the pregnancy.
As part of the Consent Decree terms:
- Precision will compensate the former employee with $30,000.
- The company must update its policies to prevent discrimination based on sex or pregnancy.
- Staff training on relevant state and federal laws is required.
- Compliance monitoring by the Civil Rights Division for up to four years.
Assistant Attorneys General Ryan Bishop and Tarah White led the litigation with support from Paralegal Frankie Hensley. Compliance Officer Anne Bali conducted the investigation.
The Civil Rights Division aims to enforce civil rights laws and offers various services statewide. Individuals who believe they have faced discrimination can contact them at (602) 542-5263 or visit www.azag.gov/complaints/civil-rights for assistance.