The U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) filed a federal lawsuit against Federal Express Corporation on Tuesday, alleging the delivery giant violated federal law by discriminating against blind employees at a North Carolina facility.
The federal agency claims that FedEx, formerly known as FedEx Ground Package Systems, Inc., failed to provide reasonable accommodations to four package handlers and a larger class of blind workers at its Kernersville location.
According to the lawsuit, denying the accommodations prevented the employees from performing their essential job functions and enjoying the same employment privileges as workers without disabilities.
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In addition to the discrimination charges, the EEOC suit alleges FedEx failed to maintain required administrative records in compliance with federal law.
Melinda Dugas, the regional attorney for the EEOC’s Charlotte district, said the alleged conduct is a clear violation of the Americans with Disabilities Act, which mandates workplace accommodations for disabilities unless they cause an undue hardship for the employer.
"Federal law is clear that failure to provide a needed reasonable accommodation for a disability where one is available and can be provided without causing undue hardship is unlawful discrimination," Dugas said.
The agency noted that it pursued litigation only after prior attempts to reach a pre-litigation settlement through an administrative conciliation process were unsuccessful.
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In a statement to FOX Business, a FedEx spokesperson said the company is aware of the lawsuit and is "currently reviewing the matter."
"We are committed to complying with all requirements of the Americans with Disabilities Act and maintaining a workplace that is free from discrimination of any kind," the spokesperson said.