A former employee has taken legal action against a well-known automotive service company, alleging discrimination and wrongful termination. Jocelyn Mrozek filed a complaint on December 18, 2024, in the United States District Court for the Northern District of Illinois against PJR Enterprises, Inc., doing business as Jiffy Lube.
The lawsuit details Mrozek's accusations against her former employer, claiming violations of several federal laws including Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, the Pregnancy Discrimination Act of 1978, and the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990. Mrozek alleges that during her employment as a customer service advisor from March to September 2024, she faced discrimination due to her pregnancy and related medical conditions. She asserts that despite informing her supervisor about severe pregnancy complications and providing medical documentation for necessary leave, her position was filled by others while she was on medical leave. This led to what she claims was an unlawful termination based on her pregnancy and disability status.
Mrozek contends that the company failed to accommodate her high-risk pregnancy and retaliated against her for seeking such accommodations. "Plaintiff relayed this information to Rose who then stated that if Plaintiff was unable to work her shift, the company would fill her position," states the complaint. This response allegedly demonstrated a disregard for engaging in an interactive process to accommodate Mrozek's condition as required by law.
The complaint further accuses Jiffy Lube of treating Mrozek less favorably than other employees who were not pregnant or did not have similar disabilities. It argues that these actions constitute sex-based discrimination under Title VII and pregnancy-based discrimination under both the Pregnancy Discrimination Act and the Pregnant Workers Fairness Act.
Mrozek is seeking various forms of relief from the court, including back pay with interest, compensatory and punitive damages, attorney’s fees, and any additional relief deemed appropriate by the court. The case underscores ongoing issues surrounding workplace rights for pregnant employees and those with disabilities.
Representing Jocelyn Mrozek is attorney Peyton M. Paschke from Sulaiman Law Group Ltd., while details regarding defense counsel are not provided in this document. The case is identified as Case No. 1:24-cv-13022 in front of judges at the Northern District Court of Illinois.