WRONGFULLY FIRED EMPLOYEE UNDERGOING “PREGNANCY-RELATED SYMPTOMS”
In a press release dated February 23, 2024, U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC), announced that it had settled a sexual discrimination and retaliation lawsuit it had filed against Bakotic Pathology Associates, (a/k/a Bako), based out of Alpharetta, Georgia, for $50,000.
Apparently, a pregnant employee who was on approved medical leave (and receiving short-term disability benefits), was fired after she voiced her discrimination concerns to the company’s Chief Operating Officer.
Because the company’s conduct was believed to be violative of Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 (Title VII), the EEOC filed suit (EEOC v. Bakotic Pathology Associates, LLC, Case No. 1:23-cv-03918-TWT-JCF) in U.S. District Court for the Northen District of Georgia, Atlanta Division, seeking monetary damages and injunctive relief.
In addition to the $50,000 payment to the impacted individual, the company has agreed to post appropriate notices and to modify its training and employment related practices particularly as they relate to sex-based discrimination and retaliation.
In a written statement, Regional Attorney for the EEOC's Atlanta District Office Marcus G. Keegan, noted that, “Employers violate antidiscrimination laws when they take action against women due to their pregnancy …. This lawsuit served as a reminder to employers that federal law prohibits discrimination against employees on the bases of pregnancy, childbirth, or related medical conditions. The EEOC is pleased that Bako agreed to take steps to prevent future discrimination on the bases of sex and pregnancy.”
Was Bakotic Pathology guilty of pathological behavior?
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EEOC PRESS RELEASE ~ 02-23-2024