FedEx is facing a lawsuit from the EEOC for alleged disability discrimination against ramp transport drivers.
The complaint: Filed on September 6, 2024, the EEOC accuses FedEx of violating the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). The company allegedly did not provide reasonable accommodations for drivers with medical restrictions, forcing them to take unpaid leave or terminating them.
- Ramp transport drivers, who handle heavy equipment, were put on 90-day light-duty assignments if they had medical restrictions.
- If they couldn't fully recover, they were placed on unpaid leave for up to a year, reported an EEOC press release.
- The EEOC claims FedEx did not explore options like getting help from coworkers or using motorized equipment for these drivers.
The backstory: This issue came to light when a FedEx driver from Minneapolis injured her ability to lift. Despite initially being put on light-duty and then unpaid leave, she was eventually fired for her medical restrictions.
Officials say: “100%-healed policies, like the one FedEx has, cost qualified workers their livelihood,” said Gregory Gochanour, EEOC's regional attorney in Chicago.
The lawsuit seeks monetary relief and an injunction to prevent similar actions in the future.