PITTSBURGH — An Allegheny County Jail employee alleges the county denied her reasonable accommodations, including a room in which to pump her breast milk.
Jamie Merlino filed a complaint June 28 in the Court of Common Pleas of Allegheny County against Allegheny County alleging sex discrimination and other claims.
Merlino, according to her complaint, began working at the Allegheny County Jail in November of 2008 and eventually reached the rank of Captain in 2017. She claims when she became pregnant, she requested accommodations and was refused.
Specifically, Merlino claims she requested light duty for two weeks after a recent surgery and was told no light duty was available and was not given a private location for her breast pumping needs or a designated refrigerator to store her milk.
She alleges Allegheny County violated her civil rights as well as violated the Americans with Disabilities Act for failing to provide her with reasonable accommodations for her disability/pregnancy. Merlino also claims the Allegheny County employee handbook lists specific rights for employees, especially those who are pregnant, and that the defendant is in breach of contract. She alleges the defendant's actions caused her to suffer mental, emotional and physical distress and other damages.
Merlino seeks monetary relief of more than $50,000, interest and all other just relief. She is represented by Attorney D. Scott Lautner in Pittsburgh.
Court of Common Pleas of Allegheny County case number GD 21-013905