EMPLOYMENT LAW: Fired Pregnant Worker Files Suit against Kids R Us Childcare Company

September 30, 2011

Oklahoma- A fired pregnant employee has filed a discrimination lawsuit against Kids R US Childcare Company, according to reports on Thursday.

Reports said Shawna Capps was hired in July 2009 and has worked as assistant facility director for Kids R US in Oklahoma branch. In March 2010, she informed the owners that she was pregnant.

As stated in the lawsuit, one of the owners shortly told Capps that she was demoted to a part-time cook position. She hurled statements referring to Capp’s decision to get pregnant.

Capps' cousin, Melissa, complained to the administration that Shawna's demotion is discriminatory. Shawna reported the misconduct to US Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC). The employer responded by transferring Shawna to Shawnee branch, forcing her to resign. The management then fired her cousin as well as her sister who is also working for the company.

The federal agency filed the pregnancy discrimination lawsuit in US District Court for the Western District of Oklahoma after initiating a conciliation process. EEOC is seeking compensatory and punitive damages on behalf of the aggrieved employee.