American Apparel Sued for Disability Discrimination

Strategic Insights -

American Apparel, a clothing manufacturer and distributor, was sued by the US Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) for terminating a disabled garment worker while he was on medical leave for cancer treatment. The EEOC argues that the company denied the worker's request for reasonable accommodation and fired him due to his disability, a direct violation of the Americans With Disabilities Act (ADA). The lawsuit seeks back pay, compensatory and punitive damages, as well as injunctive relief to prevent future disability discrimination.

Key Takeaways:

  • American Apparel was sued by the EEOC for violating the Americans With Disabilities Act (ADA) by terminating a disabled garment worker while he was on medical leave for cancer treatment.
  • The worker had requested medical leave and submitted documentation regarding the status of his treatment, but was subsequently informed that the company no longer had a position for him.
  • The EEOC argues that American Apparel denied the worker's request for reasonable accommodation and fired him due to his disability.
  • The company is accused of not engaging in the interactive process with the employee to assess whether there was a way to accommodate the request or agree to an alternative solution.
  • Olophius Perry, district director for the EEOC's Los Angeles District Office, stated that the cost of accommodation is often minimal and that employers have a legal obligation to consider employee requests for accommodation.
  • American Apparel employs approximately 10,000 people globally, including 5,000 in Los Angeles, and operates more than 285 retail stores in 20 countries.

Statistics:

  • 5,000 of American Apparel's employees are based in Los Angeles.
  • The company has over 285 retail stores in 20 countries.
  • 10,000 people are employed globally by American Apparel.
  • The company has a significant global presence with operations in the US, and internationally in 20 countries.

Sources:

  • US Equal Employment Opportunity Commission press release
  • American Apparel website.