Costco Worker Sues Company, Citing Sexual Harassment by Female Boss
A Bronx woman alleges she was fired in retaliation after reporting a hostile work environment created by her supervisor.
A former Costco employee has filed a lawsuit against the retail giant, claiming she was terminated in January 2025 as retaliation for reporting sexual harassment by her female supervisor. The anonymous accuser, who worked at the East Harlem Costco for two years, alleges that her direct supervisor, Andrea Mills, created a hostile work environment.
The alleged harassment began in October 2024 when Mills reportedly made inappropriate comments about the accuser's uniform. According to the complaint filed in Manhattan Supreme Court, Mills, upon being asked about the issue, exclaimed, "You're a very busty woman!" The lawsuit further states that during a subsequent shift, Mills approached the accuser from behind while she was working at the cash register, invaded her personal space, and sang to her.
The accuser claims that Mills' behavior continued, attempting to force her to quit her job. The lawsuit notes that the accuser made at least five verbal complaints to other managers and formally reported the alleged misconduct, but no action was taken. She also reported hearing a supervisor label her a "troublemaker" for her complaints.
One of the accuser's performance reviews allegedly stated, "[She] needs to stop thinking people are attacking her."
The situation escalated in December 2024 during an argument over how a customer outburst was handled at the register. Both the accuser and Mills were sent home, but only the accuser was fired the following month. The lawsuit contends this dismissal was an act of retaliation for her complaints.
Mills and Costco did not immediately respond to requests for comment.