The Doughnut Plant Gets Slammed With a Lawsuit Over Maternity Treatment

Mekhala Sofsky, an ex-manager at the Doughnut Plant, is suing the doughnuttery for allegedly discriminating against her because of her pregnancy, reports DNAinfo. Two years ago, Sofsky was working as the personnel manager, overseeing both Manhattan locations, but was demoted in the same month that she changed her schedule because of morning sickness. Ultimately, she was demoted twice and her salary dropped from $50,000 annually to $14 an hour, after which she claims that she was fired.

The suit also alleges that Doughnut Plant owner Mark Isreal said "he did not think Sofsky would want to come back to work after having her baby...[and] that she should really stay home with her baby."

In a statement, the doughnut company responded to the suit, saying:

Doughnut Plant is a fair and flexible employer with a strong track record of family friendly policies...We proudly embrace diversity, adhere to both the spirit and the letter of the law with regard to pregnant women, and offer paid maternity and paternity leave.

Sofsky wants to be rehired and receive backpay. She's seeking an unspecified amount for "emotional and physical damages."