Amazon Ordered to Comply with EEOC Subpoena in Pregnancy Discrimination Probe

A New York federal judge has ordered Amazon to comply with an EEOC subpoena investigating claims of discrimination against pregnant warehouse workers. Amazon contested the subpoena as too broad, but the court ruled the information necessary for the investigation. Amazon must comply by Aug. 9.

A New York federal judge has mandated that Amazon.com adhere to a subpoena from the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC), which is investigating allegations of discrimination against pregnant warehouse employees.

U.S. District Judge Lorna Schofield dismissed Amazon's objections that the subpoena was overly expansive and sought irrelevant details. The EEOC is collecting data on accommodation requests made by pregnant employees at five U.S. warehouses, including limitations on heavy lifting and extra breaks, along with Amazon's compliance.

Amazon argued that it has cooperated, providing some 370,000 pages of data, albeit not in the precise format the EEOC requested. Spokesperson Sam Stephenson asserted Amazon's commitment to supporting pregnant employees and contested the EEOC's stance. The judge stated the information was essential for the probe.

Complaints from five women in New Jersey, Connecticut, North Carolina, and California triggered the investigation. Amazon now has until Aug. 9 to comply with the ruling.

An EEOC representative declined to comment. Separately, a New York state agency accused Amazon of forcing pregnant and disabled workers onto unpaid leave if they sought accommodations, which Amazon denies. The EEOC's latest subpoena aims to uncover how Amazon handles accommodations for disabled and pregnant workers. A new law requires equal accommodations, irrespective of disability status.

(With inputs from agencies.)