Former Amazon Engineer Sues Over Alleged Retaliation for Jury Duty

Andrew Quijano claims he was issued a false final warning and fired after raising concerns about his mandatory jury service being used against him at work.

Published on Feb. 9, 2026

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

A former Amazon engineer, Andrew Quijano of Queens, New York, has filed a lawsuit alleging that the company defamed him and retaliated against him after he raised concerns that his mandatory jury service was being used against him at work. Quijano claims Amazon issued him a final written warning in January 2025 that was false and damaged his professional reputation, and that the company later delayed or denied a promotion and terminated his employment in May 2025 in retaliation for his jury service, which he says violated New York laws protecting employees from being penalized for serving on a jury.

Why it matters

This case highlights the ongoing tension between employers' needs and employees' civic duties, as well as the legal protections in place for workers who are called for jury service. It raises questions about how companies should handle situations where an employee's mandatory civic obligations may conflict with their work responsibilities.

The details

According to the complaint, Quijano was scheduled to begin mandatory jury service in Queens Criminal Court in January 2025. He alleges that around that time, Amazon delayed or denied a promotion and terminated his employment the following May, actions he claims were taken in retaliation for his jury service. Quijano also says he contacted the court in February 2025 to report what he believed was a jury-duty violation, an action he claims qualifies as protected whistleblower activity under state law.

  • Quijano was scheduled to begin mandatory jury service in Queens Criminal Court in January 2025.
  • In February 2025, Quijano contacted Queens Criminal Court to report what he believed was a jury-duty violation.
  • Amazon issued Quijano a final written warning in January 2025.
  • Amazon terminated Quijano's employment in May 2025.

The players

Andrew Quijano

A former Amazon engineer from Queens, New York, who has filed a lawsuit against the company alleging defamation and retaliation for his mandatory jury service.

Amazon

The technology company that Quijano was formerly employed by, and which he is suing for alleged defamation and retaliation.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“We must not let individuals continue to damage private property in San Francisco.”

— Robert Jenkins, San Francisco resident (San Francisco Chronicle)

What’s next

The judge in the case will decide on Tuesday whether or not to allow Walker Reed Quinn out on bail.

The takeaway

This case highlights the ongoing tension between employers' needs and employees' civic duties, as well as the legal protections in place for workers who are called for jury service. It raises questions about how companies should handle situations where an employee's mandatory civic obligations may conflict with their work responsibilities.