Chipotle has had a rough year, and it looks like the trouble isn’t over yet. This week, the U.S. District Court ordered the Denver-based fast casual Mexican chain to pay a former DC employee $550,000 in damages after she was fired for being pregnant, Washington Business Journal reports.
Doris Garcia Hernandez was employed at Chipotle in 2011 when she became pregnant. The case notes that after she informed her manager of the pregnancy, he began restricting her water intake and bathroom breaks, even making her announce to the entire staff her intention to use the restroom.
According to Washington Business Journal, the case states that her manager “did not impose these requirements on non-pregnant employees.”
Hernandez repeatedly requested early leave from work to attend a prenatal doctor’s appointment. Her manager reportedly ignored her requests and fired Hernandez when she decided to leave early anyway.
The case states that she was fired in-store in front of other employees and customers.
This isn’t the first time Chipotle has faced allegations of discrimination.
Earlier this year, three former Chipotle district managers won a case against the company on the basis of gender discrimination. The three women alleged wrongful termination and violation of the Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA), ATTN reports.
According to the suit, the employees' former male manager, Herman Mobbs, said to one plaintiff “There sure are a lot of overweight women working here,” and “you’re too emotional.”
Not a good look, Chipotle – not a good look.
Multimedia business & healthcare reporter Chloe Aiello can be reached via email at [email protected] or twitter.com/chlobo_ilo.
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