DISABILITY DISCRIMINATION: Food Packaging Company to Settle EEOC Disability Discrimination Lawsuit

March 31, 2011

Portland, Oregon – South Basin Packing will pay $80,000 and provide other benefits to resolve a disability discrimination suit filed by the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC), the federal agency said Wednesday.

According to the suit, South Basin immediately terminated an employee after he informed the company about his chronic medical condition. This action clearly violates the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) which prohibits discrimination against people with disabilities or certain medical conditions.

The EEOC conducted an investigation about the employee and said that he is fully capable of performing work. The suit was filed efforts for a pre-litigation settlement with the company failed.

Aside from paying the settlement amount, the company would also be required to reinstate the employee to his former position and provide reasonable accommodations for him in relation to his condition.