Pier 1 accused of bias against pregnant workers

San Jose, Calif. -- Pier 1 Imports is facing criticism this week for its policies regarding leave for pregnant workers. Nearly 50,000 people have signed a petition from anti-sexism group UltraViolet to demand Pier 1 stop what the petition says is discrimination against pregnant workers.



In addition, Pier 1 employee Kimberly Caselman has filed suit against Pier 1, alleging she was forced to leave her job at a San Jose, Calif., store, without pay, when she told her bosses she was pregnant. Reportedly, pregnant workers at Pier 1 are given eight weeks of light duty and then forced to take unpaid leave, whether they want it or not.



“Pier 1 markets itself to women — and yet it is blatantly discriminating against us," said Shaunna Thomas, co-founder of UltraViolet. “Forcing pregnant workers to take months of unpaid leave is completely unreasonable, illegal in California, and also wildly out of touch with Pier 1’s consumers. It’s time for Pier 1 to stop penalizing moms.”