PANAMA CITY, Florida – A company that owns a Zaxby’s restaurant location violated federal civil rights law when it harassed, refused to accommodate, and then fired a female employee because she was pregnant, Jim Garrity charged in a lawsuit filed in Florida federal court.
Garrity specializes in employment law and only represents employees. His practice spans across all of Florida and Georgia.
The lawsuit alleges our client, a 17-year-old pregnant Black female, was fired from Zaxby’s after requesting to work as a cashier, a position she was hired for, instead of as a cook in a hotter and more dangerous environment. She faced discrimination and a hostile work environment due to her pregnancy and gender. The following information is alleged in the lawsuit that was filed in court:
- Hiring: Our client applied through Indeed.com after confirming her eligibility with the store manager. She was hired as a counter register employee at $14 an hour for a 40-hour week. During the interview, she informed the manager about her pregnancy.
- Firing Incident: Shortly after starting, the manager sent her home, claiming too many front counter workers and too few kitchen staff. Our client, the only pregnant employee, was forced to work in the kitchen despite her discomfort and safety concerns. When she requested to switch back to the front counter, the manager refused, even though other employees offered to switch with her. He dismissed her safety concerns and harassed her, ultimately firing her in a disrespectful manner.
- Aftermath: The next day, our client learned from another manager that she had been terminated without a given reason. She had not violated any policies or procedures and was fired because of her pregnancy and need for accommodation.
The lawsuit asserts that our client’s firing violated her rights under multiple civil rights laws, including the Florida Civil Rights Act, the Civil Rights Act of 1964, and the Pregnant Workers Fairness Act.
Have you experienced discrimination in the workplace? Call or email us for a free private consultation. 1-800-663-7999. Or email Jim Garrity directly and confidentiality at Jim@JimGarrityLaw.com.
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Jim Garrity, Esq. - Employee Rights Lawyer 
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