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Worker claims her termination due to pregnancy, files lawsuit
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Posted on Apr 14 2006
A woman has filed a discrimination lawsuit in federal court against her employer for allegedly terminating her because of pregnancy.
Zhen Yang asked the U.S. District Court for the NMI to issue a permanent injunction that prohibits defendant American Sai Green Corp. from engaging in discrimination on the basis of pregnancy and any other employment practice that discriminates on the basis of sex.
Yang, through counsel Colin Thompson, demanded back pay with pre-judgment interest, compensation for past and future losses for medical expenses not paid by the employer, and loss of enjoyment of life, emotional pain, suffering, and humiliation.
The plaintiff also demanded punitive damages, attorney’s fees, court costs, and liquidated damages.
Saipan Tribune failed yesterday to reach a representative of the defendant for comment.
Thompson stated in the complaint that more than 30 days prior to the filing of this lawsuit, his client filed charges of discrimination with the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission.
“Since at least June 2003, defendant has engaged in unlawful practices at its Saipan facility by terminating the plaintiff’s employment contract because of her sex (female and pregnancy) and by depriving her of employment benefits given to employees not affected by pregnancy,” he alleged.
On May 12, 2004, plaintiff found out that she was four months pregnant. She then informed the employer of this.
Thompson said the defendant, however, notified Yang that she is being terminated from her employment effective on or about July 14, 2004. The defendant instructed Yang to collect her personal belongings and vacate the premises.
“The defendant breached the employment contract by terminating Yang’s employment without excuse or justification,” Thompson asserted.
