Pregnant employee claims discrimination by Pizza Hut

A pregnant Pizza Hut employee has filed a lawsuit claiming she was terminated for filing a complaint with the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission.

Also claiming racial discrimination, Serena F. Foster filed suit against NPC International Inc. on Jan. 26 in the Eastern District of Texas, Beaumont Division.

The defendant is accused of retaliatory termination, unlawful employment practices and of violating Foster's civil rights through racial and pregnancy discrimination.

The former employee accuses the defendant of wrongfully writing her up for alleged violations and for unfair treatment, discriminated and ultimately, termination because of her race.

Throughout her employment with Pizza Hut, Foster states she consistently performed in a loyal, dutiful, responsible and productive fashion.

According to the allegations, Foster was also a victim of pregnancy discrimination. She claims that she was forced to work long hours and overly strenuous duties despite opposing these practices. Foster states that the defendant failed to accommodate her pregnant condition.

After filing a complaint with the EEOC, Foster was terminated.

She argues that the racial and pregnancy discrimination have deprived her of wages, including raises and bonuses.

The plaintiff is seeking damages for lost wages, emotional distress, punitive damages, court costs, attorney's fees and interest.

Foster is represented by Ryan M. Schaper of Provost Umphrey Law Firm in Beaumont.

U.S. District Judge Ron Clark is assigned to the case.

Case No. 1:11-cv-00034