EMPLOYMENT DISCRIMINATION: Alabama Company to Settle $19,000-Discrimination Suit

January 31, 2011

Birmingham, Alabama – An Alabama-based company that operates gas stations and convenience stores in the state, will pay $19,000 for the damages it has caused an HIV-positive employee as settlement to the disability discrimination suit filed by the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC).

According to the employee’s complaint, L&R Express Food Mart Inc. fired him when it found out about his illness. But the company insisted that their action of terminating him was reasonable because he was the reason why customers drive off without paying for gas.

However, EEOC Birmingham district office director Delner Franklin-Thomas said that the action is considered disability discrimination, which violates the provisions of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). He said that companies and employers should be more aware of the anti-discrimination laws to avoid civil suits.

L&R Express is required to designate an EEO officer to attend EEOC seminars and trainings. He would submit annual reports to the EEOC to ensure its compliance with the ADA. The company is also prohibited from taking adverse actions against the employee.