EEOC v. Wal-Mart (2001)
Topics: Workers Rights & Wages | Lawsuits
The United States Equal Employment Opportunity Commission filed an action against Wal-Mart to enforce Title I of the Americans with Disabilities Act, and Title I of the Civil Rights Act. The Commission alleged that Wal-Mart discriminated against Steve Sanders by failing to accommodate his disability, and by terminating him because of his disability. The EEOC also alleged that Wal-Mart made illegal preemployment medical inquiries to a class of victims. The Commission’s Complaint seeks to recover back pay, front pay, compensatory damages, punitive damages, and injunctive relief. Wal-Mart agreed not engage in any employment practice which unlawfully discriminates against an employee or applicant under the Americans with Disabilities Act, and not to engage in reprisal or retaliation of any kind against any person. Wal-Mart paid $13.6 million in settlement costs, plus $3 million for a settlement fund to help other workers who, in the future, would be harmed by Wal-Mart discrimination. The company also agreed to hire an ADA Coordinator, who has expertise in the ADA and personnel matters, to oversee Wal-Mart’s compliance with and implementation of this Consent Decree.
