BREVARD COUNTY, Fla. — A female firefighter with the city of Rockledge said she's being forced to stop working because she’s pregnant.
Geri Miller claims she was told she has to go on maternity leave and cannot perform light duty work.
“I'm not looking for preferable treatment,” said Miller. “I'm not looking for that. I'm looking to be treated fairly."
Miller is four months along in her pregnancy. She said the fire chief forced her to take maternity leave.
The city fire department's union agreement gives "up to 180 days of unpaid leave" for maternity, but said nothing about what kind of work pregnant firefighters should get until they take maternity leave.
The chief and city manager declined WFTV’s request for interviews.
“The fire chief will not comment on personnel grievances ... for trial in the media,” a spokesman said.
Miller said male firefighters were given light duty after being injured off-duty.
“If you can give light duty to someone else, why can't you give light duty to me?" asked Miller.
Miller said she would even be willing to work in another city department but wants to be able to come back and fight fires as soon as she's physically able to.
The fire union and city, along with Miller, will go before an arbitrator on Friday.
WFTV
