Woman says Family Dollar rescinded job offer because of pregnancy

CHARLESTON – A woman is suing Family Dollar Stores of West Virginia, Inc., after she claims her job offer was rescinded because she was pregnant.

Shantell Armstrong applied online through the defendant’s website for a cashier position at its Dunbar location in December, according to a complaint filed March 4 in Kanawha Circuit Court.

Armstrong claims during the phone interview on Dec. 28, she informed the store manager she was pregnant and that the manager said her pregnancy was not a problem and discussed maternity leave with her.

The store manager told Armstrong she was hired for the job and to come in on Dec. 31 to complete her paperwork and start the job, according to the suit.

Armstrong claims on Dec. 31, she reported to work and was informed that corporate had rescinded her job offer because her pregnancy would “make her a liability to the company.”

The defendant’s actions were willful, wanton and carried out with reckless disregard for Armstrong’s rights, according to the suit.

Armstrong claims the defendant violated the West Virginia Human Rights Act by discriminating against her.

Family Dollar’s conduct caused Armstrong to suffer wage loss; emotional and mental distress; aggravation; humiliation; embarrassment; anxiety; and annoyance and inconvenience, according to the suit.

Armstrong is seeking compensatory and punitive damages with pre- and post-judgment interest. She is being represented by Kristina Thomas Whiteaker and David L. Grubb of the Grubb Law Group.

The case has been assigned to Circuit Judge Paul Zakaib Jr.

Kanawha Circuit Court case number: 13-C-429