Employee rights are garnering more attention in Colorado and throughout the nation. This includes fighting back against harassment, wrongful termination, discrimination and retaliation among other types of wrongdoing on the part of employers. Pregnancy discrimination is unfortunately common. So too are a lack of facilities and time for female workers who are nursing and need accommodations for it. One recent class-action claim against a Colorado-based airline has been allowed to proceed. People who have been confronted with similar types of discriminatory activities should keep track of this case as it can provide guidance for their own situation.
Judge rejects Frontier Airlines’ request for lawsuit to be dismissed
A class-action lawsuit that was filed against Frontier Airlines will move forward after a judge denied a request that it be dismissed. The plaintiffs assert that flight attendants, pilots and other employees are discriminated against when they are pregnant or nursing. They say that women are not allowed to take breaks nor do they have designated areas so they can pump milk. Subsequently, they are confronted by the choice of breastfeeding or continuing their shifts without pumping the milk. Initially filed in 2019, the lawsuit was pursued due to alleged mistreatment of a flight attendant and a pilot. Before that, the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) had received a complaint about the breast milk issue.
Workers should understand their rights as employees
Whether the case involves a lack of accommodations, overt discrimination, retaliation, failure to pay wages, not receiving overtime, the employer not adhering to the Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA), sexual harassment or any other issue, it is important to remember that there are options available. Employees do not need to accept this just to keep their job. They should not be reluctant to report what is happening to them because they are fearful of retaliation or do not believe it will rectify the situation. A legal claim can be effective to stop the behavior and to be compensated.
Having experienced guidance can provide solutions
Discrimination and retaliation is an ongoing problem despite the increased scrutiny it is receiving. With the class-action cases against Frontier Airlines, the plaintiffs are trying to address allegations that the employer is not providing accommodations to women who are pregnant or have recently had a baby and are breastfeeding. This is currently a major issue in many workplaces. For those dealing with similar problems on the job, it is important to know the alternatives and to act.