New Jersey Sues Amazon Over Alleged Discrimination Against Pregnant Workers, Employees with Disabilities

New Jersey Attorney General Matthew Platkin filed a lawsuit yesterday against Amazon, alleging the company violated state anti-discrimination laws by mistreating pregnant employees and those with disabilities at its facilities across the state.

The complaint, filed in Essex County Superior Court, alleges Amazon placed workers on unpaid leave, denied reasonable accommodations, and unreasonably delayed responses to accommodation requests since October 2015. It further claims the company unlawfully retaliated against employees who sought accommodations, including instances of termination after accommodations were granted, citing failure to meet productivity requirements. One example detailed in the suit involves a pregnant employee terminated for not meeting packing numbers despite an approved accommodation allowing for fewer items packed per shift. This case highlights growing concerns about working conditions at Amazon warehouses, which have faced increased scrutiny in recent years.

“There is no excuse for Amazon’s shameful treatment of pregnant workers and workers with disabilities,” Attorney General Platkin said in a statement. “Amazon’s egregious conduct has caused enormous damage to pregnant workers and workers with disabilities in our state, and it must stop now.” Amazon spokesperson Kelly Nantel countered, stating the accusations are “simply not true” and that ensuring employee health and well-being is a top priority. The company claims to approve over 99% of pregnancy accommodation requests and denies automatically placing pregnant workers on leave. You can learn more about employee rights and accommodations through the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission.

The lawsuit seeks compensatory damages, civil fines, policy changes, and five years of monitoring and reporting requirements for Amazon. Similar complaints have been filed in other states, including New York, and the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission opened a probe into Amazon’s treatment of pregnant workers last year. Officials stated they will pursue all available remedies to ensure Amazon complies with New Jersey’s anti-discrimination laws.