UPS Pays $150,000 to Settle Disability Discrimination Case in North Florida

On December 22nd, 2023, the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) announced that the United Parcel Service (UPS) has agreed to pay approximately $150,000 to resolve a disability discrimination lawsuit. An employee in Jacksonville, FL was reportedly terminated after seeking disability accommodation for diabetes-related medical needs. Within this blog post, you will find a more detailed account of the settlement and an overview of your options if you were subject to disability discrimination in the workplace in Florida.

Disability Discrimination Settlement: $150,000 for a Wrongfully Terminated Employee 

Based on a settlement reached by the EEOC and UPS, the company will pay $150,000—and offer other forms of relief, including the reinstatement of a job—to an employee with diabetes who was fired after seeking reasonable accommodation for his medical condition. The EEOC reports that management at the Jacksonville-based UPS facility UPS initially agreed to give this employee short breaks to manage his blood sugar. However, the employer later changed its position, refused the accommodation, and terminated the employee.

An employment law claim was filed on behalf of the employee on the grounds that UPS violated the

Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). The court confirmed UPS’s ADA violation and ordered both parties to resolve remaining issues. A settlement was reached between the EEOC and the employer before additional litigation was required. As part of the agreement, UPS will pay the affected worker $150,000, offer him reinstatement to his previous position, and develop and implement new anti-disability discrimination training practices.

 Understanding Your Rights and Options Under the ADA 

Are you a disabled employee in Florida? You may be protected by the ADA. Here are key things to understand about your rights and your options under the law:

• ADA Covers Employers With a Minimum of 15 Employees: The ADA applies to any employer with 15 or more workers. Private companies and nonprofit entities are covered by the law. However, smaller employers in Florida are outside the scope of law.
• ADA Protects Workers Medically-Determinable Disabilities: The ADA protects employees who have disabilities that are medically recognizable and impact major life activities. Workers with a wide range of physical and mental impairments are covered
• ADA Bars Discrimination on the Basis of Disability Status: Under the ADA, it is illegal for employers to discriminate against individuals because of their disability status in any aspect of employment, including hiring, firing, and promotions.
• ADA Requires Employers to Work Towards Reasonable Accommodation: Employers are required by the ADA to make reasonable accommodations for employees with disabilities. A reasonable accommodation is a change to the workplace environment or job position that allows a qualified disabled employee to perform.

 Get Help From a Disability Discrimination Attorney in Florida 

Disabled employees deserve access to fair and equitable opportunities in the workplace. If you believe that you or a family member endured disability discrimination in violation of the ADA, please contact a Florida employment lawyer for help with your case.