Navitas Systems, a battery manufacturer based in Ann Arbor, Michigan, has agreed to pay $95,000 to settle a disability discrimination lawsuit brought by the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC). This decision follows allegations that the company enforced a policy requiring employees returning from medical leave to be completely free of any work restrictions.
The case involved an employee who had suffered serious injuries to his left arm. Although his doctor advised that he should not use his left arm temporarily, he was cleared to work using only his right arm. Despite this, Navitas upheld its policy and denied the employee the chance to return to work, ultimately firing him.
The EEOC argued that this action violated the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), which protects individuals from discrimination based on disability. After failing to reach a settlement through discussions, the EEOC filed a lawsuit in the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Michigan.
As part of the settlement, Navitas has agreed to pay the $95,000 in damages and will implement several changes to its practices. The company will provide annual training on the ADA to all its managers, supervisors, and human resources staff. Additionally, it will submit yearly reports to the EEOC regarding requests for reasonable accommodations and the status of employees returning from medical leave. Notably, Navitas has already removed the controversial "100% restriction free" policy.
This case highlights the importance of accommodating employees with disabilities and ensuring that workplace policies comply with federal laws designed to protect workers.