LOS ANGELES (Legal Newsline) — The U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) announced a lawsuit July 6 against Time Warner Cable and Charter Communications, doing business as Spectrum Inc., for allegedly failing to provide reasonable accommodation for an employee with a disability.
"The EEOC continues to see employers failing to properly engage in the interactive process and accommodating employees who are undergoing serious medical issues," said Anna Park, regional attorney for the EEOC's Los Angeles District.
According to EEOC, a Time Warner employee requested an accommodation to seek medical attention for her disability. Although the company originally granted the employee unpaid leave, it purportedly reneged on the grant after learning the disability diagnosis. Alleged conduct of this nature violates the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990, as amended.
"This case should serve as a reminder to employers that it is their responsibility to provide reasonable accommodations to employees under the law,” said Rosa Viramontes, director of the Los Angeles District.
EEOC seeks back pay, compensatory damages and punitive damages for the employee, as well as injunctive relief to prevent future discrimination.