A New Zealand immigrant has filed a lawsuit against her employer, Stitch Fix Inc., alleging discrimination.
Plaintiff Chloe Anderson claims that the online clothing retailer improperly denied her request to work remotely from Hawaii under its "Work Anywhere in the U.S." policy, and then allegedly forced her to resign. She asserts that the denial constituted disparate treatment and constructive discharge, violating California's Fair Employment and Housing Act.
According to the complaint, Anderson began working for Stitch Fix as a Business Partner in 2021. According to the complaint, she was part of the so-called "People and Culture Organization" within the company and was the only non-American member of this team. According to the complaint, Anderson allegedly had six other job offers at the time, but accepted Stitch Fix's offer due to its remote-eligible position promise.
The complaint claims Anderson maintained an excellent performance record with Stitch Fix, with senior leaders allegedly celebrating her contributions. However, she alleges that after expressing interest in areas of growth within the organization, she was asked by her manager to relinquish her role.
In March 2023, Anderson asked to relocate to Hawaii and utilize the company's remote work policy. However, according to the complaint, her manager denied that request, claiming Hawaii was an exception to the company's "Work Anywhere in the U.S." policy. Her manager then allegedly pressured her to resign, which Anderson did.
The lawsuit is seeking compensatory and special damages, including for emotional distress, plus attorney fees.
The lawsuit was filed March 28 in San Francisco County Superior Court.
She is represented by attorney Dylan Hackett, of the Hackett Law Firm, of San Francisco.