In a recent announcement, the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) reported that a variety retail store has agreed to pay a sum of 1 million dollars as a resolution for a lawsuit filed against it.
The lawsuit alleged that the store’s hiring process violated the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and the Genetic Information Nondiscrimination Act (GINA).
According to the press release, during the selection process for employment at their Distribution
Center in Alabama, the store required candidates to undergo a pre-employment medical examination. This process demanded the disclosure of both past and present medical conditions of their family members, such as cancer, diabetes, and heart diseases.
The EEOC further argued that the retail store used selection criteria that excluded qualified individuals with disabilities, even rescinding job offers to applicants whose blood pressure exceeded 160/100 or who had vision of less than 20/50 in one eye. Although these disabilities did not interfere with their ability to perform the job, they were considered grounds for exclusion.
The EEOC filed a lawsuit in the United States District Court, representing at least 498 applicants who were required to disclose family medical histories and another class of qualified applicants whose job offers were rescinded due to their disabilities.
As per the labor discrimination settlement, in addition to the monetary compensation of 1 million dollars, the variety retail store is required to review and modify its ADA and GINA policies and disseminate them to all individuals involved in the hiring process.
If you or someone you know is facing discriminatory and illegal practices in the workplace in California, do not hesitate to seek legal assistance and enforce your labor rights. Labor Law Advocates is available 24/7 to assist you every step of the way.
Call us today for a free consultation. Together, we can put an end to unfair practices in the workplace.
