Amazon is facing a proposed nationwide class-action lawsuit in the US over allegations that the company denied pregnant employees workplace accommodations and penalised workers for taking time off for pregnancy-related needs.
The lawsuit was filed in federal court in Brooklyn by four former Amazon warehouse employees. The plaintiffs allege that the company failed to provide reasonable workplace support during pregnancy and took adverse employment action against workers who needed time away from their jobs.
Amazon has disputed the allegations, saying the accounts presented in the lawsuit contain inaccuracies and omit important details.
Lawsuit Alleges Denial of Workplace Accommodations
According to the complaint, pregnant Amazon warehouse workers were allegedly denied basic workplace accommodations, including access to chairs, water and bathroom breaks.
The plaintiffs also allege that employees faced difficulties obtaining time off for prenatal medical appointments. The lawsuit claims that Amazon requested medical documentation from workers seeking pregnancy-related accommodations.
The former employees argue that these practices violated the federal Pregnant Workers Fairness Act and New York labour law.
The proposed class action seeks compensation for lost wages and benefits, punitive damages and an injunction aimed at preventing the alleged discriminatory practices.
Former Employee Describes Pregnancy-Related Workplace Incident
One of the plaintiffs, Willamina Barclay, has alleged that she experienced a pregnancy-related emergency while working at an Amazon warehouse in Rochester, New York, in June 2025.
According to the lawsuit, Barclay was taken to hospital following the incident. She claims that Amazon later issued her a termination warning over her use of unpaid time off.
The complaint further alleges that she was dismissed five days after receiving the warning.
These allegations have not been established in court, and Amazon has challenged the accuracy of the plaintiffs’ accounts.
Amazon Rejects Allegations and Cites Accommodation Record
Amazon has denied the allegations made in the lawsuit.
A company spokesperson reportedly said the plaintiffs’ accounts included inaccuracies and left out important details. The spokesperson also stated that Amazon provides pregnancy-related accommodations to tens of thousands of employees each year.
According to the company, more than 99.9 per cent of pregnancy-related accommodation requests were approved during the past year.
The company’s response will be considered as the legal proceedings move forward.
Lawsuit Cites Federal and New York Protections
The plaintiffs claim that Amazon’s alleged conduct breaches the Pregnant Workers Fairness Act, a federal law that requires covered employers to provide reasonable accommodations for known limitations related to pregnancy, childbirth or related medical conditions, subject to applicable legal exceptions.
The lawsuit also invokes New York labour law.
The proposed class action seeks to represent affected workers across the country, although any class must still satisfy the applicable legal requirements before the case can proceed on a nationwide class basis.
Amazon Has Faced Similar Legal Challenges
The latest lawsuit follows other legal action involving alleged discrimination against Amazon warehouse employees with pregnancy-related needs or disabilities.
New Jersey sued Amazon in 2025, alleging that the company discriminated against workers requiring workplace accommodations. New York brought a similar case in 2022.
The New Jersey case remains ongoing after a state court reportedly rejected Amazon’s request to dismiss it in July.
The developments add to scrutiny of workplace accommodation practices in large warehouse operations, where employees may face physically demanding tasks and strict attendance requirements.
What Happens Next?
The proposed class action will now proceed through the legal process. The court will determine whether the case can move forward as a class action and consider the parties’ arguments.
The allegations in the complaint are claims by the plaintiffs, not findings of fact or proof of liability. Amazon’s response and the outcome of the proceedings will determine the next steps in the case.
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