DELAND, Fla. — A Volusia County woman filed a federal complaint with the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission against Florida pet store chain, Pet Supermarket.
She's accusing managers at the DeLand store of passing her over for a job because of her height.
Brandie Woodward, 32, told WFTV she also plans to file a federal lawsuit.
Woodward is 4 feet 2 inches tall, and she said that's the only reason she was passed over three times for a job.
Woodward said she was told she was qualified, discussed pay rates and when she could start, but then they never called her back.
Woodward said she's developed a thick skin over the years, but feels she's never been so blatantly discriminated against as she was last year by Pet Supermarket.
"I just wanted a chance to work," said Woodward.
Woodward said she was a customer there and noticed a help wanted sign. She said the second time she asked the manager to hire her, she had an interview.
"She said, 'Are you able to lift 50 pounds?'" said Woodward.
"Right off the bat?" asked WFTV reporter Kathi Belich.
"First, yes.
"And you said?"
"I can do it with some help," Woodward said.
Woodward said in her complaint she was told lifting 50 pounds was required.
"It took me by surprise. It did upset me. I was a bit angry," she said.
Woodward said she complained to the store and was told at a second interview that the manager who had rejected her was reprimanded.
Woodward said she was then told her qualifications were impressive and they would be back in touch. But she was not hired.
WFTV contacted Pet Supermarket and a company spokesperson said, "Pet Supermarket is an equal opportunity employer. We're committed to following the rules with respect to the Americans with Disability Act, and we did so in this case."
Woodward's lawyer, Kelly Chanfrau, disagrees.
"With respect to a job that has a 50-pound lifting restriction, they are required to offer an accommodation.
WFTV's legal analyst said if a lawsuit is filed and a federal judge would find that Woodward is disabled, he would then have to consider whether reasonable accommodations that would be necessary would cause the employer undue financial hardship or difficulty.
WJAX
