Former Winchester Amazon employee sues over bathroom breaks
Published 9:35 pm Friday, February 22, 2019
A former employee at Amazon’s call center in Winchester has filed suit against the company, alleging he was not allowed to take bathroom breaks despite his Crohn’s diagnosis.
According to media reports, Nicholas Stover, filed the suit against the company Friday for discrimination under the Americans With Disabilities Act.
The complaint against the company, which was filed in the U.S. District Court in Lexington, said the company refused to allow for more frequent bathroom breaks as needed because of Stover’s illness.
The complaint also says Stover disclosed his illness and the necessary accommodations when he applied and during his training.
Chron’s disease is a chronic illness that causes inflammations of the digestive tract. Frequent diarrhea is a symptom.
Stover worked for the call center for about a year and was fired in December 2017.
The Mighty reported, “Employees at the Winchester call center typically work nine-hour shifts, including a one-hour break for meals and two additional 15-minute breaks…. These breaks are scheduled by Amazon and can’t be changed by employees. Employees are also given up to 10 minutes of unscheduled personal time per shift, but no more than 20 minutes per week.
“After six months of working at Amazon, and being continually reprimanded for using the bathroom more frequently than was allowed, Stover requested an accommodation. His doctor filled out an Amazon accommodation request form, stating that Stover “must have bathroom facility readily available.”
Stover said Amazon refused to make accommodation and terminated him in December 2017 without any reason for dismissal.
He is suing for a jury trial and at least $3 million in damages.