In 1965, the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) was established in order to prevent employers from discriminating against workers or potential employees because of their color, race or national origin. Since that time, the EEOC has also extended its protection against discrimination based on a variety of personal factors including gender, age, religion and sexual orientation. When an employee feels like he has been discriminated against, he can file a complaint with the EEOC.
The national auto parts company AutoZone has found itself in trouble with the EEOC for the fourth time in recent years. This time, the EEOC filed a disability discrimination lawsuit against the company for failing to accommodate workers with disabilities. The company reportedly started giving employees across the country points when they missed work. If the worker reached 12 points, he or she was fired from his or her job.
These points were assessed whether or not the worker had a legitimate excuse related to a disability. For example, an employee who had diabetes would suffer from insulin reactions from time to time. These reactions made it necessary for him to leave work early, but AutoZone still accessed attendance points to the man and eventually terminated him because of it.
If you are in a similar situation with your job, you may wish to speak with an attorney experienced in employment law. A lawyer can help you understand the ins and outs of disability discrimination. He or she may also be able to review your case and advise you on how to proceed.
Source: Tire Business, “EEOC brings 4th disability discrimination suit vs. AutoZone,” Judy Greenwald, May 15, 2014