Full Breakdown
Amazon Faces Nationwide Class Action Over Pregnancy Discrimination
9/9/2026, 12:09:21 PM
Allegations and Plaintiff Accounts
On Sept 8, a complaint filed in Brooklyn federal court by four former Amazon warehouse workers alleges that the retailer systematically violates the federal Pregnant Workers Fairness Act and New York labor law. The filing claims Amazon routinely denies pregnant employees basic accommodations—such as chairs, bathroom and water breaks, and time off for prenatal appointments—and threatens termination for excessive absences.
One plaintiff, Willamina Barclay, says she received a termination warning on June 17, 2025, a day after being taken in a wheelchair from Amazon’s Rochester, NY, warehouse and hospitalized for a pregnancy-related emergency. She reports severe abdominal pain from lifting heavy objects, while Amazon allegedly counted the hospital visit toward unpaid time off and docked her pay because she “worked partially that day.” The complaint states she was fired five days later.
Company Response
Amazon spokesperson Kelly Nantel contends the plaintiffs’ accounts contain “inaccuracies and omit important details.”
Regulatory Context and Ongoing Litigation
The U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) plans to propose changes to regulations underlying the Pregnant Workers Fairness Act in November. EEOC Chair Andrea Lucas—who has aligned with President Donald Trump’s policies—said in 2024 that the existing regulations for pregnant employees are “too broad.”
Separately, a New Jersey lawsuit alleging discrimination against disabled and pregnant warehouse workers continues after a state Superior Court judge on July 31 rejected Amazon’s request for dismissal, according to a spokesperson for New Jersey Attorney-General Jennifer Davenport. New York filed a similar case in 2022.
Verbatim Quotes
- “Yet Amazon violates the law at every turn.” — Kelly Nantel, an Amazon spokesperson
