The Washington State Department of Transportation (WSDOT) has agreed to pay more than $50,000 to settle a disability discrimination complaint filed by a former employee who claimed he was relieved of his duties just days after disclosing a disability and discussing potential accommodations with WSDOT.
In a complaint filed with the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC), the terminated worker alleged that he was fired five days after those discussions with WSDOT, according to the EEOC.
In the EEOC investigation that followed, the agency determined there was “reasonable cause to believe that WSDOT’s decision to discharge was motivated by knowledge of the employee’s disability and belief he would need future accommodations,” according to the EEOC, which notes that the alleged conduct is in violation of the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 (ADA).
On the heels of the EEOC investigation, the two parties engaged in the pre-litigation conciliation process, resulting in the settlement that will require WSDOT to pay $57,577 in compensatory damages and provide other injunctive relief. WSDOT must also create a procedure for applicants and employees to request accommodations for a disability, implement mandatory training for management and human resources staff, as well as conducting training to inform non-supervisor employees of their rights.
“The EEOC will rigorously pursue justice on behalf of individuals with disabilities,” said Elizabeth M. Cannon, director of the EEOC’s Seattle field office, in a statement. “Employers who make employment decisions based on stereotypes and assumptions about disabilities are violating the rights of workers and risk enforcement action and potential litigation.”
14 June 2024
Category
HR News Article