Harrisburg – The Pennsylvania Human Relations Commission ordered JayMala, Inc., of Lansdale, Montgomery County, to pay more than $30,938 to former employee Patricia Baker, of Bensalem, Bucks County, for discriminating against her because of her pregnancy. The order took effect Feb. 24.
Baker filed a discrimination complaint alleging that the company fired her from her job as a teller because she was pregnant. JayMala failed to answer the complaint, as the law requires, and the commission held the company liable for illegal discrimination.
“Pregnancy discrimination hurts Pennsylvania families and our economy,” Executive Director JoAnn Edwards said. “Employers must remember their legal responsibility to answer discrimination complaints or risk liability.”
The commission ordered the company to cease discriminating against employees based on pregnancy, to answer complaints filed against them and to pay Baker $276 for expenses and $30,326, plus interest, for lost pay. To date, the interest brings the award to more than $30,938.
The company has 30 days to report to the commission on how it will comply with the order.
Learn more about pregnancy discrimination, employee rights and employer responsibilities at www.phrc.state.pa.us.
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