Amazon Sued Over Pregnant Worker Accommodations

Amazon faces a proposed nationwide class-action lawsuit accusing the company of firing and denying accommodations to pregnant warehouse workers, in alleged violation of federal and state law. The suit, filed Tuesday in Brooklyn federal court by four former hourly warehouse employees, claims the retail giant systematically withheld basic accommodations from pregnant workers, including seating, restroom and water access, and leave for prenatal care. It also alleges the company demanded excessive medical documentation for every accommodation request and retaliated against employees who sought them. The lawsuit cites the Pregnant Workers Fairness Act, which requires employers to provide reasonable accommodations for pregnant employees without penalty. Plaintiffs contend that Amazon's policies violated this law by requiring a doctor's note for even basic accommodations and by failing to account for legally protected pregnancy-related breaks. According to the complaint, time off for medical appointments and emergencies is automatically deducted from workers' limited banks of unpaid time off. Once this time is exhausted, workers can receive termination warnings and ultimately be fired.