| After one day on the job, a Pennsylvania woman told her new employer that she was pregnant -- allegedly leading to her termination. The state's employment commission investigated the claims, issued an order against the mortgage company and imposed a fine.
Fidelity Mortgage Services Inc. has been ordered by the Pennsylvania Human Relations Commission to pay $17,505 to Megan LaBree, a statement yesterday from the commission said. Also included in the order was Fidelity Vice President Alex Vulakh.
Fidelity was accused in December 2006 of firing LaBree after learning she was pregnant. She had been on the job for just one day.
The Philadelphia-based firm was subsequently investigated by the commission, which found probable cause that Fidelity did discriminate against LaBree.
After Fidelity and LaBree were unable to settle the dispute over her lost compensation, the commission held a public hearing on the matter in May 2008. Fidelity was found guilty of illegally discriminating against LaBree.
"In spite of progress we have made, pregnant women still suffer illegal discrimination in the workplace," Tuesday's announcement stated. "Pregnancy discrimination is illegal sex discrimination under the Pennsylvania Human Relations Act."
The commission issued an order that required Fidelity to pay LaBree $17,505 and end its discriminatory practices. In addition, the former employee is entitled to 6 percent interest from the date of her termination until the date she receives the payment.
Fidelity must inform the commission within 30 days of its intentions.
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