DETROIT (Legal Newsline) – The U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) announced that the Kroger Co. of Michigan will pay $33,000 and provide other relief to settle allegations of violating federal disability laws.
An employee at Kroger’s store in Howell, Michigan, was hired as a stock person and then developed a back issue. The company allowed the employee to work as a cashier as a reasonable accommodation but then fired her after discovering the impairment was permanent, EEOC alleged.
This purported action violates the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA).
"Federal law expressly prohibits employers from refusing to provide a reasonable accommodation to employees with disabilities," EEOC Trial Attorney Nedra Campbell said. "An employer must always seriously consider whether it can make an accommodation before downgrading or firing employees."
In addition monetary relief given to the employee, Kroger must also provide ADA training to its managers and employees.
The Kroger Co. of Michigan operates large grocery stores throughout the state.