A former employee has filed a lawsuit against Taco Bell, alleging pregnancy discrimination and wrongful termination. On Nov. 26, Ashz Derlina Abreu Duran filed a complaint in the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of New York against Taco Bell of America, LLC, and two individuals, Erika Sarate and Rezaul Karim.
The lawsuit details Duran’s employment at Taco Bell from March 2021 until February 2024. According to the complaint filed by Helen F. Dalton & Associates, P.C., Duran alleges that after disclosing her pregnancy in December 2023, she faced discrimination, a hostile work environment, and derogatory remarks from her supervisors.
The complaint also includes an incident where Duran was asked to provide medical proof of her pregnancy despite already notifying her managers verbally.
Duran’s situation allegedly worsened after she requested reasonable accommodations for her pregnancy, including a shift change from night to morning shifts based on medical advice and time off for doctor appointments.
Despite providing the necessary documentation, Duran claims she was removed from work schedules without explanation in March 2024 and later terminated in May 2024 under the false pretense of job abandonment.
The lawsuit accuses Taco Bell and its managers of violating Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, the New York State Human Rights Law, and the New York City Human Rights Law. These laws prohibit employment discrimination based on sex and require employers to provide reasonable accommodations for pregnant employees.
"Defendants engaged in unlawful employment practices prohibited by Title VII by discriminating against Plaintiff because of her pregnancy and gender," the complaint states.
Duran is seeking damages for lost wages, emotional distress, punitive damages for malicious conduct, and attorney fees. She also requests that the court declare Taco Bell’s actions unlawful under federal and state laws.
Representing the plaintiff is attorney Roman Avshalumov from Helen F. Dalton & Associates, P.C. Case I.D. 1:24-cv-08193.