N.J. Panera Franchisee Must Face Worker’s Maternity Leave Suit

A New Jersey Panera franchise lost its bid to escape a lawsuit from a former employee who alleges she was wrongly fired for taking an absence to care for her newborn after struggling to find child care, a federal court in the state said.

Kefa Gary worked as a shift supervisor. Her supervisor contacted her during her maternity leave to schedule her return to work after 12 weeks per the Family Medical Leave Act. The ranchise, American Bread Co., didn’t inform Gary about the New Jersey Family Leave Act, which provides additional time off for family care after birth.

Gary ...