EEOC Sues Walmart Alleging That the Retailer Refused to Provide Qualified Interpreters for Deaf Employees
Multinational retailer Walmart violated federal law when it failed to provide effective means of communication to two employees with disabilities, the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) charged in a lawsuit filed today.
According to the EEOC, the two employees were hired by Walmart as overnight stockers at a store in Olathe, Kansas. The employees, both of whom are deaf, required an interpreter for communication during key times, such as orientation, training, and meetings. The pair also needed day-to-day tasks to be communicated in writing. In response, Walmart refused to hire a qualified person to serve as an interpreter, and management routinely refused to communicate with the two employees in writing. The EEOC further alleges that the employees were forced to quit because of Walmart’s refusal to provide effective, on-the-job communication.
Such alleged conduct violates the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), which prohibits discrimination based on disability and requires employers to make reasonable accommodations to allow employees with disabilities to enjoy equal benefits and privileges of employment. The EEOC filed suit (EEOC v. Walmart, Civil Action No. 2:23-cv-02395) in U.S. District Court for the District of Kansas after first attempting to reach a pre-litigation settlement via its conciliation process. The EEOC seeks back pay and compensatory and punitive damages, as well as injunctive relief to prevent future discrimination.
Read the source article at JD Supra
