Washington State AG Sues O’Reilly Auto Parts, Alleges Discrimination Against Pregnant Workers

Attorney General Bob Ferguson filed a civil rights lawsuit Wednesday accusing O’Reilly Auto Parts of systemic discrimination and retaliation against the company’s pregnant employees.

The lawsuit, filed in King County Superior Court, accused O’Reilly of unlawfully refusing pregnant workers reasonable workplace accommodations. The corporate retailer with 169 stores across 27 Washington counties allegedly denied pregnant workers the ability to sit or rest, did not limit how much they lift or handle hazardous materials, had little flexibility for restroom breaks, and prevented the women from pumping breastmilk for their newborn babies after returning to work postpartum.

The Attorney General’s Office said at least 22 women working for O’Reilly suffered physically, emotionally and financially, but they suspect the number of workers discriminated against is much higher.

Read the source article at KING 5