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Article

24 Sep 2018

Author:
Vanessa Romo, National Public Radio (USA)

USA: Govt. agency files lawsuit against Walmart alleging pregnancy discrimination

"Federal Commission Sues Walmart For Alleged Discrimination Against Pregnant Employees", 21 Sep 2018

The Equal Employment Opportunity Commission filed a lawsuit against Walmart Inc..., alleging the company has unlawfully discriminated against pregnant workers for years at one of its warehouse locations in Wisconsin.  The complaint, filed in federal court on behalf of Alyssa Gilliam, claims Walmart failed to accommodate workers' pregnancy-related medical restrictions, even though job modifications were provided to non-pregnant employees with physical disabilities.  It also says the company denied pregnant workers' requests for unpaid leave.  According to the EEOC, Gilliam...requested light duty or transfer to a less physically demanding job in which she would avoid heavy lifting due to her pregnancy.  But the company declined to make changes to her job assignment, and refused later requests for a chair, shorter work days or additional breaks.  "This resulted in Gilliam losing her benefits, having to reduce her hours, and being forced to take unpaid leave," the lawsuit says..."...Walmart deprived pregnant workers of the opportunity to participate in its light duty program. This amounted to pregnancy discrimination, which violates federal law," the statement said...Walmart spokesman Randy Hargrove told NPR the Arkansas-based company denies the allegations and contends "this case is not suitable for class treatment."...