Ex-Red Cross Worker Says She Was Fired for Being Pregnant

The former communications director for the regional American Red Cross sued her former employer Friday, alleging she was fired after becoming pregnant.

Monica Diaz of El Monte filed the lawsuit in Los Angeles Superior Court against the American Red Cross Los Angeles Region and Jarrett Barrios, the chief executive officer.

She alleges breach of contract, gender/pregnancy discrimination, as well as intentional and negligent infliction of emotional distress. Diaz wants unspecified compensatory and punitive damages.

No one with the regional office of the Red Cross was available for immediate comment.

According to Diaz’s complaint, she worked for the Red Cross for about five years and had a good record, receiving regular promotions and salary increases. In early March, she told her employer she was pregnant, the suit states.

On March 26, Diaz was told would lose her job five days later, according to the lawsuit.

“Plaintiff’s termination was based on her gender and pregnancy and was a substantial and determining factor in defendants’ decision to discharge plaintiff,” the suit states.

During most of Diaz’s time with the Red Cross employees were only fired for cause and she was assured from time to time that she could remain there until she retired, the suit states.

— City News Service