SPOKANE, Wash. (Legal Newsline) — The U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) announced Oct. 24 that Kaiser Aluminum Corporation, the United States’ leading producer of fabricated aluminum, has agreed to pay $175,000 and reinstate an offer to a worker after allegations of disability discrimination.
"EEOC and Kaiser worked hard together to resolve a tough case and further the objectives of the ADA," said EEOC senior trial attorney Teri Healy. "We are very pleased with the outcome of this lawsuit and appreciate Kaiser's willingness to work with the EEOC to resolve this matter and its commitment to its obligations under the law."
The EEOC contended that Kaiser withdrew a job offer from Donald McMurray after learning he had a workplace injury 10 years prior to the company’s offer. McMurray had been set to work at Kaiser’s Trentwood mill in Spokane as a production worker. The EEOC alleged McMurray had a long history of successful construction work and was a well-qualified candidate who could meet the job’s physical demands.
"Mr. McMurray will be a great addition to the Kaiser team,” said Seattle EEOC field director Nancy Sienko. “His reinstatement and Kaiser's implementation of new hiring procedures are a win-win for all involved. Eliminating barriers in recruitment and hiring and enforcing the ADA are high priorities for the EEOC."