Back to Workplace Discrimination
SB

Sofia's Story

Pregnancy discrimination to €8,000 + reinstatement

Workplace Discrimination
€8,000 + reinstatement
90 days

The Problem

Sofia, a marketing manager for 3 years, announced her pregnancy. The next day, she was "reorganized" to a junior role with 30% less salary. Her replacement was hired within a week.

Evidence
Original Contract
Pregnancy Announcement
Demotion Letter
Replacement Hire
Day
5

Started with AnyComplaint

Sofia documented the timeline showing clear connection between pregnancy announcement and demotion.

What was the official reason given for the role change?
They said it was a "restructuring" but they hired someone for my exact position a week later.
The timing and circumstances strongly suggest pregnancy discrimination, which is explicitly prohibited under Article 35-A of the Labour Code. The burden of proof shifts to the employer to show legitimate reasons for the demotion.
4 clarifying questions
6 facts extracted
Day
5

Complaint Generated

A complaint was filed with CITE (Commission for Equality in Labour and Employment) and the employer.

Generated Document
REF: AC-2024-XXXX
Formal Complaint
Nos termos do artigo 35.º-A do Código do Trabalho, é proibida qualquer discriminação em razão do exercício dos direitos de parentalidade. A coincidência temporal entre o anúncio da gravidez e a despromução, conjugada com a imediata contratação de substituto, constitui indício grave de discriminação...
[...continues with formal structure, legal citations, and requested remedies]
Código do Trabalho, Art. 35.º-A

Protection of parental rights

Código do Trabalho, Art. 25.º

Prohibition of discrimination

Day
45

Company Response

After CITE investigation and formal complaint, the company's lawyers reached out for settlement negotiations.

"Without admitting liability, our client wishes to resolve this matter amicably. We propose reinstatement to the original position with full back pay, plus additional compensation for distress caused."

— Customer Service
Day
90

Resolution

Sofia was reinstated as Marketing Manager with full back pay and additional compensation for the discriminatory treatment.

€8,000 + reinstatement
Recovered
Reinstated as Marketing Manager
Full back pay for demotion period
€8,000 compensation for discrimination
Written apology from CEO
"

They thought I would just accept it quietly. The formal complaint with CITE made them realize the legal risk they were facing. Now I'm back in my role with compensation.

SB
Sofia B.
Cascais

Having a similar issue?

Start your complaint now and get a professionally crafted letter with Portuguese legal citations.

Start Your Complaint

See more success stories

More Workplace Discrimination cases|All issues