Starbucks has reached a settlement for its lawsuit for allegedly discriminating against a former employee.
The plaintiff, with the help of the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission, filed the suit against Starbucks, claiming the company failed to provide adequate accommodations and then fired her because she is affected by dwarfism.
According to the lawsuit, the plaintiff alleges she suggested that she use a stool to more easily perform her daily tasks. However, she was fired later that same day, as the company claimed she would put customers and employees in danger.
As part of the settlement, Starbucks will pay $75,000 to the plaintiff and train their supervisory employees on the importance of the Americans with Disabilities Act.
“Starbucks swift action to work constructively with the EEOC in this case, not only by compensating the applicant who was turned away, but by committing to additional training for other stores in the El Paso area, sends the right signal from the corporate office,” said Robert Canino, regional attorney for the EEOC’s Dallas District Office.
The case highlights the importance of avoiding discriminatory actions and adhering to industry and federal regulations. Failure to do so may lead to similar expensive professional liability lawsuits.
