A former employee has filed a lawsuit against a major airline, alleging age and religious discrimination. On November 14, 2024, Jenifer DiGiovanni initiated legal proceedings in the United States District Court for the Northern District of Illinois against United Airlines, Inc.
The case revolves around DiGiovanni's claims that United Airlines discriminated against her based on her Christian faith and age, violating Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 and the Age Discrimination in Employment Act (ADEA). DiGiovanni asserts that after working as a flight attendant since February 2006 without any disciplinary issues, she faced unfair treatment following her request for a religious exemption from the company's COVID-19 vaccine mandate. Her request was ostensibly granted but with conditions that she argues were not genuine accommodations, such as unpaid leave and suspension of health benefits. Feeling pressured to maintain her livelihood and health coverage, she ultimately got vaccinated but subsequently lodged an internal complaint alleging religious discrimination.
Following her complaint, DiGiovanni claims she was subjected to retaliatory actions including a baseless investigation into alleged misuse of travel privileges by a companion. She was presented with a settlement agreement requiring her to waive rights under various anti-discrimination laws to retain her job—a demand she refused. She believes this led to her termination on February 2, 2022. The plaintiff contends these actions were part of broader discriminatory practices targeting older employees at United Airlines.
DiGiovanni seeks multiple forms of relief from the court: equitable relief to prevent further discrimination, compensatory damages for lost wages and emotional distress, punitive damages for willful misconduct by United Airlines, and coverage of attorney fees. She demands a jury trial to resolve these issues.
Representing DiGiovanni is Michael T. Smith from the Law Offices of Michael T. Smith & Associates PC. The case is presided over by judges in the Northern District of Illinois under Case ID 1:24-cv-11742.