Pregnant Woman Sues US Ford After Being Rejected with "Hiring Closed" Notice

[Image source=AP Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Kwon Jae-hee] Ford, a leading American automobile company, has been sued for refusing to hire a pregnant woman.

According to the Chicago Tribune on the 29th (local time), Ford was sued for excluding a pregnant woman in her 30s during the hiring process for employees at the stamping plant in Chicago Heights, a southern suburb of Chicago.

The Federal Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) stated in a complaint filed with the U.S. District Court in Chicago on the 27th that "Ford conditionally hired Edwina Smith (35), a resident of the Chicago metropolitan area, and had her undergo a physical examination, but after learning of Smith's pregnancy, did not give her the opportunity to work."

Smith received a conditional job offer from Ford in June 2019.

She said, "Two months later, in August, I went for the pre-employment physical, informed them of my pregnancy, and underwent the examination. The attending physician determined that I met all the conditions required for employment."

The EEOC reported, "Ford's medical staff confirmed that there was no issue with Smith's employment, but the company did not schedule her first day of work."

After the physical examination, Smith called the company several times to ask about her start date but did not receive a proper answer until one day in October when she was told, "All hiring has already been completed."

Other candidates who took the physical examination with Smith attended new employee orientation and began working around the same time.

The EEOC pointed out that Ford refused to hire Smith due to her gender and pregnancy, calling it "a violation of Title VII of the Civil Rights Act and an illegal employment practice."

Regarding this, a Ford spokesperson said, "Ford provides equal opportunities to everyone" and "faithfully adheres to anti-discrimination policies for diversity and inclusion."

The Tribune explained that this plant employs about 1,000 part-time workers and supports the Chicago Assembly Plant, which produces the Explorer, Lincoln Aviator, and Police Patrol Sports Utility Interceptor. Approximately 5,000 employees work in three shifts at the Chicago Assembly Plant.

The EEOC stated, "In February, we sent a notice to Ford indicating that there was reasonable cause to believe Smith's civil rights were violated and hoped for a settlement between Ford and Smith, but since it was not reached, we filed a lawsuit."

The EEOC requested the court to issue a "permanent injunction" to prevent Ford from refusing to hire based on gender or pregnancy in the future.

Additionally, the EEOC demands that Ford pay Smith her wages for the relevant period and provide punitive damages and compensation for the emotional distress, loss of enjoyment of life, and humiliation she experienced.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.