Merry Maids to pay $50,000 to settle pregnancy discrimination lawsuit

An East Providence cleaning company has settled a lawsuit against a former employee it dismissed on her first day of work after she told a manager she was pregnant, the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) of Rhode Island announced Wednesday.

Merry Maids agreed to pay $50,000 in damages to Julia Schutlz, who was 16 weeks pregnant when she interviewed for a house cleaner position with manager Deborah Bellamy-Goslin in 2021. Schultz wore a baggy dress that concealed her pregnancy and was offered the job less than a week later.

The business did not admit liability in the case, the ACLU notes.

Under Rhode Island General Law, it is illegal for an employer to discriminate against an employee on the basis of pregnancy, childbirth, or related medical conditions.

“I am very pleased with the outcome of this case and proud of the awareness we have brought to this issue,” Schultz said in a statement Wednesday. “I hope this resolution brings women an awareness of their rights and reminds companies of their responsibility to honor their employees’ rights.”

The owner of the East Providence Merry Maids franchise could not be reached for comment on the settlement. 

The lawsuit claims that when Schultz arrived for orientation, she was immediately taken to the break room where Bellamy-Goslin asked if she was pregnant. After confirming she was pregnant, Bellamy-Goslin reportedly said, “I’m not going to be able to offer you the job because of the physical demands.” 

“You should be at home taking care of that special gift from God,” she said. 

Bellamy-Goslin also reportedly told Schultz, “If after your baby is born, you are still interested, you can re-apply.” 

Mark Gagliardi, attorney for Schultz, said he was happy to see that the matter was resolved and that his client was able to quickly find another job in the food service industry. He declined to give more details.

“By taking legal action, Julia was able to hold this employer accountable for a blatant violation of her legal rights,” he said. “Importantly, Julia secured a victory not only for women, but for all workers.”

With the settlement, he said Schultz is “thinking about going back to school.”

“She’s doing what most young mothers her age are doing — balance work, family and life,” he said.

“I am very pleased with the outcome of this case and proud of the awareness we have brought to this issue,” Schultz said in a statement Wednesday. “I hope this resolution brings women an awareness of their rights and reminds companies of their responsibility to honor their employees’ rights.”