Albuquerque Mexican Seafood Restaurant Fired Employee Because of Her Condition, Federal Agency Charged
ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. - An Albuquerque Mexican seafood restaurant will pay $32,000 and furnish other relief to settle a pregnancy discrimination charge brought by the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) in a voluntary conciliation agreement, the federal agency announced today.
Following an investigation by the Albuquerque EEOC office, the federal agency found that it was probable that Mariscos La Playa Inc. violated the Civil Rights Act of 1964 and the Pregnancy Discrimination Act (PDA) by reducing the complainant's work hours and subsequently firing her because of her pregnancy.
Without admitting liability, Mariscos La Playa agreed to enter into a four-year conciliation agreement with the EEOC by paying $32,000 to compensate the complainant. In addition to the monetary settlement, the company has agreed to hire a consultant to assist with creating policies, including preserving employment and personnel records, and training all employees to ensure compliance with Title VII and PDA.
"Pregnancy discrimination in the workplace is illegal and economically counterproductive," said Elizabeth Cadle, district director for the EEOC's Phoenix District Office. "We commend Mariscos La Playa for working with us toward this positive resolution."
The EEOC advances opportunity in the workplace by enforcing federal laws prohibiting employment discrimination. More information is available at www.eeoc.gov.
