Florence Restaurant Faces Lawsuit Over Alleged Pregnancy Discrimination
Florence, S.C. — In a situation that has raised concerns about workplace discrimination, a lawsuit has been filed against a local restaurant, BTJ Wings, by a former employee who claims she was fired due to her pregnancy. The case sheds light on the ongoing challenges many expectant mothers face in the workplace.
The lawsuit was initiated by Shannon McCrae, who began working at BTJ Wings in late July 2021 as a cashier. Things took a troubling turn for McCrae in December of that year when she discovered she was pregnant. Just a few days after sharing this news, McCrae’s manager, Vickie Parker, allegedly alerted the restaurant’s owner, Cui Ling Zhen, affectionately known as “Kandi,” about McCrae’s condition.
According to the lawsuit, during a conversation between Parker and Kandi, Parker expressed worries about McCrae’s ability to perform her job duties, asking, “What are we going to do with Shannon? She can’t do the job — she can’t do anything. We need her off the schedule.” Kandi reportedly agreed, setting off a chain of events that would lead to McCrae being informed by a co-worker that she would be removed from the work schedule.
Fired and Texted About Her Ability
McCrae’s termination came swiftly on December 22, 2021 when Kandi allegedly told her it was because of her pregnancy. The situation escalated when Kandi followed up the next day with a text message to McCrae, stating she wasn’t “strong enough for the job and no good to her due to the pregnancy.” This pointed dismissal and lack of support during her pregnancy prompted McCrae to take legal action, filing her lawsuit under the Civil Rights Act of 1964 for gender and pregnancy discrimination.
Weeks after the firing, Parker reportedly reached out to the father of McCrae’s child, saying she attempted to advocate for McCrae’s continued employment but was ultimately unable to persuade Kandi otherwise. This has left many wondering about the workplace culture at BTJ Wings and whether such practices are more common than one might think.
The Bigger Picture
Discrimination based on pregnancy is not just a personal issue for McCrae; it’s a reflection of a larger problem that many women face in the workforce. The Pregnancy Discrimination Act, an amendment to the Civil Rights Act, is designed to protect employees from discrimination based on pregnancy, childbirth, or related medical conditions. However, it seems that not all employers are compliant with these rules.
As the lawsuit unfolds, many in the community are left to consider how such incidents can impact the lives of individuals trying to balance work and personal life, specifically during such a crucial time as pregnancy. With discussions around parental rights in the workplace continuing to gain traction, it’s clear that awareness and enforcement of these laws needs more attention.
A Call for Awareness
This case serves as a reminder that while strides have been made toward equality in the workplace, there’s still a long way to go. The lack of support for expectant mothers can have lasting effects not only on individuals but on families and communities as well. Hopefully, as this lawsuit progresses, it will shine a light on these important issues, prompting a wider conversation about support for pregnant employees and their rights.
At this point, BTJ Wings has not publicly commented on the lawsuit, and it remains to be seen how this situation will unfold. The community will undoubtedly be watching closely as details emerge, hoping for a fair resolution that respects the rights of all employees.
