Zale Sued for Discriminating Against Pregnant Woman

The U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) filed suit Thursday against Zale Corp., the largest U.S. jewelry retailer, accusing the company of discriminating against an employee because she was pregnant.

According to the suit, filed March 15 in the Federal District Court in Alaska, a Zale’s manager told Christina Kantarazis she was not a “good fit” for a management position at the company’s Diamond Center store because she was pregnant and would require maternity leave.

The manager, Mike Berger, allegedly told Kantarazis she that would not have the time for staff development.

The EEOC reportedly decided to file suit after failing to settle the matter out of court.

EEOC seeks an unspecified amount on Kantarazis' behalf, including back pay and punitive damages.

Zale was not immediately available to comment.