A former Ross Dress for Less Inc. employee has settled her gender discrimination suit against the clothier in which she alleges she was on maternity leave in 2022 when management unexpectedly sent her an automated text message stating, “Please select the primary reason that led to your resignation.”
Lisette Mayorga’s Los Angeles Superior Court lawsuit also alleged retaliation and failure to accommodate and engage in the interactive process. The notice of settlement filed by her attorney with Judge Elaine Lu on Monday did not state the terms of the accord.
Mayorga was hired as a retail associate in August 2021 and in December of that year informed her store manager that she was expecting, prompting the manager to respond, “Take it easy, you’re pregnant,” the suit stated.
Mayorga told the assistant store manager in February 2022 that she was going on maternity leave, the suit stated. Mayorga expected to eventually return to her job, but while off work, she received an automated text message from management stating, “Thank you for your contribution to Ross Stores. We value your opinion and welcome feedback on your experience working with us. Please select the primary reason that led to your resignation,” according to the suit.
Mayorga was “aghast” after receiving the text and the store manager later told her she had been terminated and would have to reapply, the suit stated. Mayorga submitted her application and followed up four times, but was never rehired, the suit stated.