LITTLE ROCK — A federal agency has filed a lawsuit against an Arkansas custom fabrication company, alleging it refused to allow a long-term employee to return to work after he suffered a stroke and then firing him for reporting the incident to the U.S. government.
The U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) alleges Midwest Automation Customer Fabrication Inc., fired an employee who had a stroke, despite his having the required medical releases to return to work. The EEOC further alleges Midwest fired the employee after questioning why he filed charges with the EEOC.
"Federal law protects employees from unlawful discrimination based on false perceptions, stereotypes and perceived disabilities," EEOC Memphis District Office director Delner Franklin-Thomas said in a statement. "Furthermore, an employer cannot terminate an employee for choosing to exercise his rights by filing a charge with the EEOC."
The EEOC seeks back pay, compensatory and punitive damages as well as compensation for lost benefits.