News Summary
Corner Bar in Austin has agreed to pay $42,000 as part of a pregnancy discrimination lawsuit brought by the EEOC. The lawsuit highlighted issues faced by a pregnant bartender who experienced reduced hours and termination after announcing her pregnancy. Following allegations of unfair treatment and workplace discrimination, the bar has committed to implementing new anti-discrimination policies and providing training for employees to prevent such issues in the future.
Austin – Corner Bar, a popular establishment located on South Lamar Boulevard in Austin, Texas, has reached a settlement agreement to pay $42,000 as part of a pregnancy discrimination lawsuit filed by the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC). The case, which has drawn attention to workplace discrimination against pregnant employees, highlighted several troubling allegations about how the bar handled the situation of a pregnant bartender.
The lawsuit, documented as Civil Action No. 1:23-cv-539 in the U.S. District Court for the Western District of Texas, Austin Division, was initiated after the EEOC asserted that the bartender experienced significant changes in her employment conditions shortly after announcing her pregnancy. It was alleged that the management reduced her hours of work and ultimately terminated her employment after she became visibly pregnant.
Specific allegations in the complaint indicated that after the bartender was hospitalized due to a virus, a management official contacted her to inform her that she was being let go due to being perceived as a “liability.” The manager expressed concerns regarding her safety, referring to a previous incident where a fight almost broke out among patrons at the bar. Following the notification of her pregnancy, the bartender was reportedly removed from the work schedule altogether, with her shifts being reassigned to other employees.
This series of actions raised red flags regarding compliance with Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, as amended by the Pregnancy Discrimination Act. This federal law specifically prohibits discrimination against individuals based on pregnancy, childbirth, or related medical conditions. The EEOC’s decision to file the lawsuit underscores a commitment to enforcing these protections in the workplace.
As part of the resolution outlined in a three-year consent decree, Corner Bar has agreed not only to pay the settlement amount but also to implement several significant changes in its operational practices. The bar will adopt a written anti-discrimination policy and will provide mandatory anti-discrimination training for all employees. Additionally, they are required to display a notice that informs staff about federal employment discrimination obligations, ensuring that all employees understand their rights and responsibilities under the law.
The lawsuit and settlement represent a growing concern about pregnancy discrimination rampant in the workplace today. According to the EEOC, the issue has gained prominence, with various employers facing allegations of unfair treatment towards pregnant workers. Reducing an employee’s hours due to pregnancy is unlawful, and the EEOC advocates for a workplace culture where such discriminatory practices are eradicated.
The allegations against Corner Bar and the subsequent lawsuit by the EEOC serve as a reminder of the ongoing challenges many pregnant employees face within the labor market. By holding employers accountable, the EEOC aims to promote fair treatment for all workers, regardless of their pregnancy status.
Community members and advocates for workplace equality have expressed hopes that the decision will lead to broader awareness of the rights of pregnant employees and encourage other businesses to reflect on their own policies regarding workplace discrimination. The outcome of this case is seen as a pivotal moment not only for Corner Bar employees but for workers across similar industries in Austin and beyond.
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Additional Resources
- HR Dive: Corner Bar Settlement
- Wikipedia: Pregnancy Discrimination Act
- Law360: Texas Bar EEOC Suit
- Google Search: Austin Texas Corner Bar
- HR Dive: Bartender Fired for Pregnancy
- Google Scholar: EEOC Pregnancy Discrimination
- Austin Chronicle: Film Events
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Pregnancy Discrimination
- Insurance Journal: South Central News
- Google News: EEOC
Author: STAFF HERE AUSTIN WRITER
The AUSTIN STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREAustinTX.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Austin, Travis County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as SXSW, Austin City Limits Music Festival, Formula 1 United States Grand Prix, and the Austin Film Festival. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Greater Austin Chamber of Commerce and Visit Austin, plus leading businesses in technology, automotive, and retail that power the local economy such as Dell Technologies, Tesla, and Apple. As part of the broader HERE network, including HERECollegeStation.com, HEREDallas.com, HEREHouston.com, and HERESanAntonio.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Texas's dynamic landscape.
