COMPANY AGREES TO FORK OVER $1 MILLION TO SETTLE ADA AND GINA CLAIMS
Dolgencorp, LLC, d/b/a Dollar General, will pay $1 million to settle a federal lawsuit filed by the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC).
After extending job offers, the company would require applicants to disclose medical conditions of family members and compel them to undergo a pre-employment medical exam. The company allegedly retracted offers made to individuals “whose blood pressure exceeded 160/100 or who had less than 20/50 vision in one eye, even when those impairments did not prevent the applicants from safely performing the job.”
Believing that such conduct violated Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), and the Genetic Information Non-Discrimination Act (GINA), the EEOC filed suit (EEOC v. Dolgencorp, LLC., Case No. 2:17-cv-01649-MHH) in U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Alabama, seeking monetary damages and injunctive relief.
In addition to the monetary payout, Dollar General has agreed to modify its employment-related policies and practices. And shall advise all employees of their rights under federal law.
In a written statement, EEOC Birmingham District Director Bradley Anderson, noted that “Requiring individuals during the hiring process to answer invasive questions about medical conditions of their grandparents, parents or children violates GINA …. An employer is prohibited from soliciting this information, regardless of whether the information is used to deny employment.”
We’re not about to probe any further ….
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