UPS Worker Sues For Wrongful Termination Over COVID-19 Quarantine

The COVID-19 pandemic has upended the lives of many Americans over the past year. One consequence has been confusion about medical leave rules at work, with some employees losing their jobs after getting sick. In a recent case, a former UPS worker was allegedly fired after taking medical leave for a doctor-ordered quarantine.

Susan Ramirez filed a lawsuit against UPS, alleging she was wrongfully terminated for taking two weeks off to quarantine after falling ill. Her doctor required her to quarantine for 14 days due to the coronavirus pandemic. The complaint accused UPS of discriminating against Ramirez on the basis of medical leave by unlawfully firing her.

 Ramirez also claimed UPS did not provide meal breaks. In addition, the employer failed to pay her all the overtime and wages she was owed when her employment was terminated, as required by law.

The lawsuit was filed in Los Angeles Superior Court after Ramirez received a right-to-sue notice from the California Department of Fair Employment and Housing. In addition to wrongful termination, UPS was accused of discrimination, retaliation and failure to pay timely earned wages upon termination, among other claims.

California’s Fair Employment and Housing Act makes it illegal to fire an employee for taking medical leave. If you have been fired based on unlawful reasons, you may have grounds for a wrongful termination claim. In many wrongful termination cases, there are often other employment violations involved, such as discrimination or retaliation, as in Ramirez’s case.

With COVID-19 in the picture, you may be confused about your legal rights. In such situations, talking to an experienced employment law attorney can provide some clarity. Erlich Law Firm is ready to help you. We offer free initial consultations.