Authored By: Candace Whitman

AT&T Mobility is facing a federal lawsuit after allegations that they were in violation of federal anti-discrimination laws.  Two women have filed the claim after they were fired from the company due to unavoidable, pregnancy-related absences.

AT&T Mobility, along with many other large companies, issues demerits to employees for any unauthorized absences or late arrivals. Employees who exceed a certain number of demerits face disciplinary actions, such as termination.

The plaintiff, Cynthia Allen, took time-off before the birth of her son due to pregnancy -related illnesses. She provided documentation from her health provider for these absences and the issuing of demerits was not mentioned. She returned from maternity leave and was told she had been put on “final notice” because of her pre-birth absences. She was fired the following month after she was missed two days of work because she had to take her son for emergency medical treatment.

AT&T Mobility’s attendance policy excuses absences for jury duty and short-term disability, but it does not mention pregnancy. The lawsuit contends that AT&T’s policy is in violation of the Pregnancy Discrimination Act and the Family and Medical Leave Act.

According to The Washington Post, “The lawsuit seeks the nationwide revision of AT&T Mobility’s attendance policies, compensation for the plaintiffs’ loss of income, and unspecified compensatory and punitive damages.”

To read more about this case, click here to read an article from The Washington Post.

 

Photo Credit: Kjetil Kolbjornsrud