A former In-N-Out cook has filed a lawsuit against the fast-food chain, alleging religious discrimination and wrongful termination. The employee, Arianna Rodriguez, claims she was forced to work Sundays, a day she dedicates to attending church, after a new manager took over her Long Beach, California, location.
Rodriguez, who had worked at In-N-Out for nearly five years, stated in her lawsuit that her previous schedule allowed her to attend Sunday services without issue. However, upon the arrival of a new manager in October, her Sunday availability reportedly became a "recurring source of workplace conflict." She also alleges that she received her first disciplinary write-up during this period.
According to the lawsuit, Rodriguez raised her concerns about her schedule, church attendance, and perceived unfair treatment with management by December. She claims her complaints were not adequately addressed.
The situation escalated on June 24, when an incident involving food led to Rodriguez's suspension and an investigation. While the details of the food incident are not fully clear, Rodriguez claims she believed the conduct constituted food waste based on practices she had previously observed at the restaurant. She alleges that other employees engaged in similar conduct but received only warnings, while she was suspended and subsequently fired on July 3 for an alleged violation of company policy.
Rodriguez further alleges that she returned to human resources to complain about what she considered unequal treatment before her termination. She is seeking unspecified damages, unpaid wages, and reinstatement to her position.
The lawsuit includes claims of religious discrimination and wrongful termination against In-N-Out.