A former Tidal employee is suing the streaming music company for sex and pregnancy discrimination.
According to the lawsuit, which was filed on Monday, former employee Lisette Paulson was fired from the company in September 2015 after asking about making arrangements for pumping breastmilk.
Paulson alleges that in firing her, the company violated multiple laws, including the right of nursing mothers to express breast milk under New York’s state labor law.
The lawsuit, obtained by Pitchfork, says Paulson began working for Tidal as a consultant in March of that year. Before she went on maternity leave in May, Tidal Chief Operating Officer Desiree Perez confirmed that Paulson would come back after leave as a full-time employee.
The suit says a week after Paulson returned in September, she asked Perez about her schedule, working from home, her work area and salary, and about having a private area to pump breastmilk.
Perez told Paulson to use a bathroom, which Paulson said wouldn’t be feasible. The suit alleges that Perez asked Paulson if she “had to do this,” and asked if she “had to give her an office.” Perez then said she would speak with human resources about the matter.
The following day, Paulson attended a team meeting and was asked to leave by Chief Financial Officer Joe Burrino who explained he didn’t know when she was coming back.
In addition to the multiple labor protections, Paulson is suing Tidal for intentional infliction of emotional distress and breach of oral contract. The suit doesn’t state how much Paulson is seeking in damages.
Tidal did not respond to a request for comment. View the entire suit below:
H/T: Pitchfork