A former employee has taken legal action against a prominent security company, alleging workplace harassment and failure to accommodate her needs as a new mother. Marry Valdez filed a complaint on March 25, 2025, in the Superior Court of California, County of Santa Clara, against Garda CL West, Inc., operating as GardaWorld Security. The lawsuit highlights significant allegations of sex-based harassment and retaliation following Valdez's requests for lactation accommodations.
The complaint details a series of troubling events that began after Valdez returned from maternity leave in September 2024. Despite notifying her employer about her need for lactation breaks, she was forced to express breast milk in unsanitary conditions within her car due to the lack of appropriate facilities at the Morgan Hill branch where she worked. Her branch manager allegedly made derogatory comments about her need for these breaks and even sent colleagues to monitor her during these times, severely infringing on her privacy. "Why can’t she pump at home?" and "Pumping is your personal problem," were among the remarks reportedly made by her manager.
Valdez's attempts to secure part-time work hours to better manage her lactation needs were also met with resistance. Although she received approval from a regional manager for part-time work, her direct supervisor denied this request, suggesting she should "do the adult thing and do full time or quit." This hostile environment led Valdez to resign on September 24, 2024.
The lawsuit accuses GardaWorld Security of violating several laws including California Government Code § 12940(j)(1) which prohibits sex-based harassment and mandates reasonable accommodation for breastfeeding mothers under California Labor Code §§ 1030-31. Valdez claims that GardaWorld failed to prevent harassment and retaliated against her for exercising her rights under these statutes.
Valdez seeks compensatory damages for lost wages and emotional distress caused by the alleged misconduct. She also demands punitive damages aimed at deterring similar future conduct by the defendant. The case underscores broader issues surrounding workplace accommodations for nursing mothers and aims to hold employers accountable for ensuring safe and respectful working conditions.
Representing Marry Valdez is Joshua R. Jachimowicz from Jachimowicz Law Group based in San Jose, California. The case has been assigned Case ID 25CV461996 with Judge M. Arechiga presiding over the proceedings.