The Healdsburg-based company Golden State Cider is facing a new lawsuit from a former employee who alleges he was fired after returning from parental leave.
According to the Press Democrat, Emilio Arellano, a former cellar supervisor, claims in a lawsuit that he was subjected to hostile treatment and ultimately terminated in retaliation for taking leave after his son was born prematurely. He also alleges the company had a history of making derogatory comments toward employees with children.
In a statement, the company said it is reviewing the complaint and “strongly disagrees with the allegations.” They added that as a family-owned business, they “care deeply about our people” and look forward to presenting the facts through the legal process.
