The U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission says it’s filed a lawsuit against Papa John’s Pizza, accusing the company of violating the Americans with Disabilities Act after firing a worker in Utah with Down syndrome.
The EEOC says it’s seeking back pay and damages for the former employee, as well as an injunction “prohibiting future discrimination and any other curative relief to prevent Papa John’s from engaging in any discriminatory practices.”
Officials with the federal agency say the man had been good at his job and was doing well with an independently employed job coach to help him.
According to the lawsuit, when an operating partner dropped by the store and saw the man working with his coach, he allegedly told the Papa John’s to fire him.
Under federal law, businesses must accommodate workers with job coaches where the situation calls for one.
“People with intellectual disabilities are one of the most underemployed segments of the workforce,” said EEOC Regional Attorney Mary Jo O’Neill. “Many disabled persons are qualified, ready and willing to work. All they need is an equal opportunity. Job coaches are one form of reasonable accommodation that allows employees with intellectual disabilities to be able to work.”
Papa John’s hasn’t commented on the lawsuit yet.
Papa John’s Discriminated Against Employee with Down Syndrome, EEOC Charges in Suit [EEOC.gov]
by Mary Beth Quirk via Consumerist
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