Michael Bernat, a former warehouse associate forklift operator, has filed a lawsuit against his previous employer, Wayfair, LLC, alleging violations of the Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA). The complaint was lodged in the United States District Court for the Northern District of Illinois on March 11, 2025. Bernat accuses Wayfair of unlawfully denying and interfering with his FMLA rights and retaliating against him for exercising those rights.
According to the court documents, Bernat began working for Wayfair in October 2020 and consistently met or exceeded performance expectations. In late 2024, Bernat applied for FMLA leave due to his wife's high-risk pregnancy. His leave commenced on December 6, 2024, as his wife was induced for childbirth. Despite being assured that he would be paid during this period, Bernat claims that he was terminated on January 13, 2025, under the pretext of clocking in incorrectly—a justification he believes is retaliatory. "Defendant’s explanation for terminating Plaintiff was pretext for retaliation," the complaint states.
Bernat asserts that Wayfair's actions constitute unlawful denial and interference with his FMLA rights. He argues that he had a qualifying condition under the FMLA to care for his spouse and newborn child and that he provided proper notice to Wayfair about his need for leave. However, instead of honoring these rights, Wayfair allegedly terminated him before his FMLA leave expired and failed to pay him the remainder of his promised leave pay.
The lawsuit details three counts against Wayfair: Unlawful Denial of FMLA Rights, Unlawful Interference with FMLA Rights, and Retaliation under the FMLA. Each count highlights how Wayfair's alleged actions were willful and reckless disregard of Bernat's protected rights under federal law. As a result of these actions, Bernat claims to have suffered loss of employment benefits and wages along with emotional distress.
In seeking redress from the court, Bernat requests back pay with interest, front pay, compensatory and punitive damages, liquidated damages, reasonable attorney fees and costs among other reliefs deemed just by the court. The case underscores significant issues regarding employee rights under the FMLA—rights designed to protect workers who need time off due to serious health conditions affecting themselves or their families.
Representing Michael Bernat is attorney Travis P. Lampert from Sulaiman Law Group Ltd., while no specific defense counsel is mentioned in the filing. The case has been assigned Case ID: 1:25-cv-02559 in front of an unspecified judge at this time.