A former Disney Cast Member is suing the company for wrongfully firing her after she complained that her lupus condition and cinnamon allergy were not accommodated at work.
Former Disney Cast Member Suing for Wrongful Termination
Serena Pina-Walker, 23, filed the lawsuit in Los Angeles Superior Court, alleging wrongful termination, whistleblower retaliation, harassment, and intentional infliction of emotional distress. She’s seeking unspecified compensation and punitive damages. Her work location was not clarified, but with the filing in Los Angeles, it is likely she worked at Disneyland Resort.
Disney hired Pina-Walker in October 2022. She later disclosed her cinnamon allergy and then that she had a form of lupus.
In February 2023, Pina-Walker was assigned to a kitchen serving cinnamon pretzels. The suit states that a manager thought she was exaggerating about her allergy and told her to either work at the location or go home without pay.
Pina-Walker wore a mask when working around the cinnamon but developed a breathing problem and hives. A Disney nurse examined her and recommended she go home. The manager then allegedly asked the plaintiff, “Do you really need to go home?”
The suit states that another boss told co-workers he didn’t believe that Pina-Walker actually had lupus.
Pina-Walker complained to human resources about the mistreatment. Shortly after, she was written up for taking medical absences. She was also allegedly retaliated against for being required to work in a cold environment, which can trigger lupus symptoms.
Although supervisors knew her absences were medical leaves related to her lupus, Pina-Walker was suspended after returning from one medical leave and fired in June 2023.
The suit states Pina-Walker has suffered lost wages and emotional distress.
A Disney representative did not immediately reply to MyNewsLA‘s request for comment.
Disney is also facing an allergy-related lawsuit in Florida over a guest suffering a fatal allergic reaction after dining at Raglan Road in Disney Springs.
Source: MyNewsLA
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