EEOC Files Lawsuit Against Beehive Homes For Harassing Pregnant Managers

Beehive of Vernal, Inc., operating Beehive Homes throughout the western U.S., has allegedly subjected pregnant employees to harassment, discriminatory treatment, demotion, and discharge, the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) charged in a lawsuit filed in federal court.

According to the EEOC’s suit, filed in U.S. District Court for the District of Utah, Central Division (EEOC v. Beehive of Vernal, Inc), at least two pregnant managers were subjected to constant harassment by the company’s owner, who continually offered to hire replacements for them even when they were months from delivering their babies. The owner also subjected pregnant employees to closer scrutiny and harsher discipline, including demotion and discharge, as compared to non-pregnant employees, the agency claims in a news release.

Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, as amended, protects workers from discrimination based upon sex, including pregnancy. The statute also imposes liability on employers who create an environment so hostile that an employee is constructively discharged. The EEOC filed suit after first attempting to reach a voluntary settlement. The lawsuit seeks lost wages and compensatory and punitive damages for the employees, as well as appropriate injunctive relief to prevent discriminatory practices in the future.