In a striking legal battle that highlights the challenges faced by working parents, Nathan Baker has filed a lawsuit against Heyday Wellness LLC, alleging wrongful termination just weeks before he was set to take parental leave. The complaint was filed in the United States District Court for the Northern District of Illinois on February 13, 2025. Baker accuses Heyday Wellness of gender discrimination and violations of both the Family Medical Leave Act (FMLA) and Title VII of the Civil Rights Act.
Nathan Baker, a first-time father and technology professional, had been employed by Heyday Wellness LLC for over two years. During his tenure, he built a reputation as a strategic leader within the company. However, when he requested parental leave to care for his premature son, Baker claims he was met with resistance and ultimately terminated. "Instead of being recognized for his tremendous efforts," the complaint states, "he was fired while requiring accommodations to care for his premature son." Baker's allegations are grounded in what he perceives as disparate treatment compared to female employees who were granted extended parental leaves without issue.
Baker's case outlines several accusations against Heyday Wellness LLC. He claims that after announcing his wife's pregnancy and his intention to take parental leave, he began experiencing unusual interactions with his manager, Katie Lynch. These interactions included questioning his commitment to the company and suggesting potential departure plans similar to those arranged for other employees post-parental leave. Despite having received positive performance reviews previously, Baker received a negative review shortly after announcing his need for leave—a move he believes was retaliatory.
The lawsuit further alleges that Heyday Wellness violated multiple laws: Title VII of the Civil Rights Act by discriminating based on gender; the Illinois Human Rights Act by denying him equal treatment regarding parental leave; and FMLA provisions by interfering with his right to take family medical leave. According to Baker’s attorney Gail S. Eisenberg from Loftus & Eisenberg Ltd., these actions have caused significant financial loss and emotional distress for Baker.
In seeking justice, Nathan Baker is asking the court for various forms of relief including compensation for lost wages and benefits, damages for emotional distress, punitive damages under federal law, liquidated damages under FMLA provisions, as well as attorneys’ fees and costs. Additionally, he requests that Heyday’s actions be declared unlawful under relevant employment laws.
This case will be presided over in court with Judge assignments yet to be determined under Case ID No. 1:25-cv-1572. Representing Nathan Baker is attorney Gail S. Eisenberg from Loftus & Eisenberg Ltd., while representation details for Heyday Wellness LLC remain undisclosed at this time.