DISABILITY DISCRIMINATION: EEOC to Drop Disability Discrimination Case against Target Corp. after Reaching Settlement

July 8, 2011

San Diego- The US Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) is expected to drop a disability discrimination suit against Target Corporation after the two parties reached a settlement, a statement from its website said.

According to reports, the retail giant agreed to pay about $160,000 to settle the suit which was filed by EEOC in 2009, alleging that the company was unable to reasonably accommodate a disabled cart attendant who works at a store in Orange County.

EEOC claimed that Jeremy Schott, who is suffering from cerebral palsy, was hired in 2002 to work as a part-time stocker. He then became a cart attendant after he requested for the position.

He needed to receive assistance from a job coach and to be reminded of the things that he need to do. EEOC claimed that he was able to perform his job duties properly early on due to task reminders and a job coach.

However, the company was unable to make sure that Schott will continue to receive the help that he needs while performing his job duties, claimed EEOC. In addition, the company allegedly reduced Schott’s work hours after he took a leave of absence because of medical reasons in 2004.

Aside from paying the $160,000 settlement pay, Target Corp. also agreed to enforce a policy which will cover reasonable accommodations for disabled employees.