News

Jury clears Chipotle in discrimination suit

February 21, 2019

After four hours of deliberation, a California federal jury ruled Chipotle Mexican Grill did not discriminate in firing an assistant store manager who had taken time off after a miscarriage.

The verdict, according to a Law360 report, also rejected plaintiff Lucia Cortez's allegation that the brand did not reasonably accommodate her disability by not granting additional medical leave.

Cortez claimed she was fired from the chain's Grenada Hills location for seeking another four weeks off after taking an unpaid three months off for mental health help in 2016.

The jury found Cortez's decision to not return to work was the prime reason for her termination, according to the report. Her lawyer said he is considering an appeal.