New England Biz Law Update
A California-based staffing agency has agreed to pay $185,000 and take other corrective actions to resolve a pregnancy discrimination lawsuit filed by the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC).
The agency settled the case in December 2025 under a three-year consent decree following a lawsuit the EEOC filed in September 2025.
According to the EEOC’s complaint, the agency engaged in a pattern of pregnancy discrimination dating back several years, including jointly terminating an employee assigned to work at a client’s site shortly after she disclosed her pregnancy.
The settlement requires the company to pay monetary relief to affected individuals, expunge certain personnel records, provide neutral references, and consider reinstating former workers.
Under the decree, the company must also review and update its anti-discrimination policies, deliver training on pregnancy discrimination, and take additional steps intended to prevent future violations.
The suit was brought under the Pregnancy Discrimination Act, which amends Title VII to prohibit discrimination on the basis of pregnancy, childbirth, or related medical conditions, and treats it as a form of unlawful sex discrimination.
The EEOC cited persistent discriminatory conduct over several years as the basis for its enforcement action.
For employers, this settlement underscores the continued enforcement focus on pregnancy discrimination, including under the Pregnant Workers Fairness Act and related federal protections.
Employers should regularly review policies and practices to ensure that they provide equal treatment for pregnant employees and applicants and incorporate updated guidance on reasonable accommodations and anti-discrimination compliance.
