Four former Amazon warehouse workers have accused the retailer of systematically violating the rights of pregnant employees and subsequently firing them. A potentially sweeping class-action lawsuit has been filed in federal court in Brooklyn, Ars Technica reports, according to infohub.kz.
The plaintiffs are former employees of New York warehouses, backed by the advocacy group A Better Balance. They allege that management at warehouses in Rochester and Lancaster denied requests for chairs, extra bathroom and water breaks, and time off for doctor's visits.
According to the plaintiffs, instead of complying with the Pregnant Workers Fairness Act (PWFA), the company demanded medical documentation for even the simplest requests. Because of forced absences, Amazon's automated timekeeping system deducted hours from their unpaid leave balances, leading to disciplinary actions and terminations.
One plaintiff, Willamina Barclay, was hospitalized directly from the warehouse due to complications caused by lifting heavy objects, but was fired five days later for exceeding her absence limit. Another worker was disciplined for time spent in lactation rooms.
Amazon spokesperson Kelly Nantel said the company approves more than 99.9% of pregnancy-related accommodation requests each year, and that the plaintiffs' claims contain inaccuracies.
The plaintiffs are seeking compensation and a court order forcing the company to change its internal policies.