AstraZeneca Saleswoman to Get Trial in Suit Over Leave, Sex Bias
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AstraZeneca Pharmaceuticals LP must face trial on a sales specialist’s claims that her sex, use of leave, and disabilities she developed post-pregnancy led her to be included in a layoff.
The ruling Tuesday by the US District Court for the Middle District of Pennsylvania is a reminder that employers can be liable when job decisions are influenced by the animus of a nondecision-maker. Comments made by Gina Woods’ supervisor while she was working on the company’s diabetes team could convince a jury her termination was tainted by discrimination even though he didn’t make the firing decision, the court said.