Ex-Deloitte manager sues, charging FMLA violations

A former Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu Ltd. manager has filed a putative class-action lawsuit against the firm, charging it with violations of the Family Medical Leave Act in connection in its maternity leave policy.

Saxon Knight held a manager role at Deloitte before taking maternity leave in 2019, according to the lawsuit filed Tuesday in U.S. District Court in New York in Saxon Knight v. Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu Ltd; and Deloitte & Touche LLP.

The lawsuit states that after taking 16 weeks of maternity leave, as permitted by the company, she was unable to return to her prior position, as promised.

After “dozens of conversations” she eventually found a position “that was not commensurate” with her skills and experience, according to the complaint.

Ms. Knight was terminated less than a month after complaining about her situation to an employee relations specialist, according to the complaint. She was told her termination was “related to COVID” and not performance-related.

The complaint charges the company with interference and retaliation in violation of the FMLA and state law.

A Deloitte spokesman could not be reached for comment.

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