EMPLOYMENT DISCRIMINATION: Hussey Copper Settles EEOC Disability Discrimination Suit

February 14, 2011

Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania – A leading copper parts manufacturer has agreed to pay $85,000 and provide additional benefits to a complainant to settle a federal disability discrimination lawsuit, the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) said on Friday.

According to the suit filed by the EEOC, Hussey Copper offered Donald Teaford a job at the company after he passed a physical examination, but withdrew the offer when it found out that he was under a clinically- supervised medical treatment.

Teaford claimed that he was qualified for the job and that he was not experiencing any side-effects from the methadone he was taking in his treatment. His treatment program also provided information to the company doctor stating his successful participation to the program.

According to EEOC, Hussey Copper has taken a discriminatory action against Teaford based on his physical condition, which is prohibited in workplaces by the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA).

Aside from the monetary amount, the company would also hire the complainant as a mason utility laborer and comply with federal anti-discrimination laws and policies.