Pregnant Employees Allege Discrimination: O’Reilly Auto Parts Faces Lawsuit
O’Reilly Auto Parts, a corporate retailer based in Washington state, is facing a civil rights lawsuit filed by State Attorney General Bob Ferguson. The lawsuit accuses the company of systemic discrimination and retaliation against its pregnant employees. The allegations state that O’Reilly unlawfully refuses to provide reasonable accommodations for pregnant workers, such as the ability to sit or rest, limiting heavy lifting, allowing flexibility for restroom breaks, and providing time to pump breast milk. Additionally, the company is accused of retaliating against pregnant employees by demoting them, threatening termination, or forcing them to take unpaid leave or quit altogether.
In response to the allegations, an O’Reilly Auto Parts spokesperson denied the accusations, stating that their policies and practices comply with Washington’s Healthy Starts Act and the law against discrimination. The company claims to have policies that prohibit discrimination and retaliation against pregnant employees and provide for reasonable accommodations.
According to the Attorney General’s Office, at least 22 women have suffered physically, emotionally, and financially as a result of O’Reilly’s alleged unlawful actions. However, they suspect that the number could be much higher, with hundreds of employees potentially affected across the state. O’Reilly Auto Parts operates 169 stores in Washington alone and has a total of 6,027 stores across the United States and Puerto Rico.
The Attorney General’s Office initiated an investigation into O’Reilly after receiving complaints from two pregnant employees. Limited records provided by the company revealed that numerous requests for pregnancy accommodations were denied between January 2019 and February 2023. The company’s lack of responsiveness and cooperation led to the filing of the lawsuit.
During the investigation, multiple employees reported that their requests for pregnancy-related leave were denied. Some women claimed they were required to lift heavy objects beyond the recommended weight limits, even after experiencing physical symptoms such as dizziness and cramping. Several employees also stated that they faced verbal harassment for taking breaks or using the restroom. Some even reported that managers hid the stools they used for resting during breaks. When concerns were raised to management, they were often dismissed.
State Senator Karen Keiser, who sponsored the Healthy Starts Act, emphasized the importance of accommodating pregnant employees and ensuring their health and safety. She expressed gratitude to Attorney General Ferguson for taking action against those who violate the law.
The Attorney General’s Office is encouraging anyone who has experienced pregnancy discrimination at a Washington O’Reilly store to contact them. Current and former employees can also submit complaints online.
Ultimately, the goal of the lawsuit is to hold O’Reilly Auto Parts accountable for its alleged discriminatory practices and protect the rights and well-being of pregnant workers. As the legal process unfolds, the case will shed light on the importance of fair treatment and support for pregnant employees in the workplace.
