A model has claimed that she was fired from a job because she got her period whilst working.
Rachel Rickert, 27, says that she was modelling at the New York International Auto Show for Hyundai when she had to go the toilet to change her tampon. She didn’t make it on time and needed a new uniform as a result.
However, instead of supplying the new uniform, Rickert claims that she was sent home because of her “period situation.”
A day and a half after being sent home, Rickert claims that she received a call from her rep, Erika Seifred, telling her she had been fired from the job.
Rickert has since filed a complaint with the US Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC). She was being paid hourly and was expected to earn around $5,000 from the show but has said that she hasn’t received any money.
According to the complaint, Seifred alledges that, “Hyundai heard about Ms. Rickert having her menstrual cycle and they didn’t want Ms. Rickert representing the company anymore.”
Speaking to the New York Post, Rickert said, “I’m not going to let someone tell me I can’t have my period when I work.”
“It’s unacceptable.”
“You’re not a robot.”
“You have to use the bathroom especially when you’re on your period.”
“They act like we’re not human.”
“I’m not going to be ashamed or shamed of having my period.”
Rickert’s lawyer, Mark Shirian added, “Discrimination of any kind, especially because of a menstrual cycle, should not be tolerated.”
In response Hyundai Motor America said, “We take any complaint like this seriously and will respond appropriately once we have a chance to investigate the merits of the claim.”
