CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (Legal Newsline) — The U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) announced Feb. 24 that Covenant Transport Inc., a Tennessee-based trucking company, will pay a $30,000 penalty after allegations of disability discrimination.
According to EEOC, the company discriminated against an applicant for a position because of the applicant’s disability. Covenant allegedly provided the applicant a conditional offer and asked the applicant to do a drug screening. The applicant, however, could not allegedly provide a urine sample due to a disability. He could, however, allegedly provide a blood sample.
Covenant agreed at first, but purportedly later decided not to hire that applicant based on the lack of a urine sample.
Alleged conduct of this nature – failing to provide a reasonable accommodation for a disability – is a violation of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). Covenant agreed to pay $30,000 in compensatory damages for the applicant and will develop a written drug testing policy.
"The EEOC appreciates Covenant's willingness to resolve this case without protracted litigation," said Faye Williams, regional attorney for the Memphis District Office. "The agency remains committed to enforcing the ADA to remove barriers to employment for persons with disabilities."