Lawyers with the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission filed suit against Starbucks citing discrimination against an Arkansas job applicant. A Russelville, Arkansas Starbucks branch is accused of refusing to hire man because of his multiple sclerosis diagnosis.
Government attorneys with the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) filed suit against a Russelville, Arkansas Starbucks.
Little Rock, AR–Attorneys with the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) http://www.eeoc.gov released a press release stating a lawsuit against a Russelville Starbucks was filed in U.S. District Court in eastern Arkansas on September 2, 2009. As reported by The Seattle Times, the coffee company is accused of failing to hire Chuck Hannay after he applied for six open barista positions in the Russelville location. Hanney suffers from Multiple Sclerosis (MS) and was refused hire in 2007.
Federal investigators with the EEOC reviewed the allegations and determined Hanney was qualified for the job and Starbucks did not hire him because he has MS. The EEOC filed the lawsuit after a voluntary settlement with Starbucks was unsuccessful. The legal action demands back pay for Hanney plus compensatory and punitive damages. Attorneys are also demanding Hanney be given the job and lawyers are seeking an injunction against future discrimination. It is against the law for an employer to discriminate against or harass an employee or potential worker based on physical or mental disability and can be charged with violations of the American Disabilities Act (ADA).
Legal news reporter Heather L. Ryan for Arkansas government attorneys specializing in employment law.
